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Commonwealth Museum   Secretary of the Commonwealth William Francis Galvin
Commonwealth Museum Secretary of the Commonwealth William Francis Galvin

Fever Pitch


“

There must be “united and persevering resistance to this ungodly and anti-republican law.”

– Lewis Hayden

”

Opposition to the Fugitive Slave Law became increasingly violent as the country came apart over the issue of slavery.



Signature page from Thomas Sims’ petition to the Massachusetts General Court, featuring his mark ‘X’ and his request for a jury trial.

Signature page . . .

Thomas Sims

April 3, 1851 brought the arrest of fugitive slave Thomas Sims in Boston. Lewis Hayden participated in a rescue attempt. Like Shadrack Minkins, Sims was held in the Suffolk County Courthouse. Abolitionists piled mattresses under a courthouse window hoping that Sims could jump to freedom. New iron bars and a heavy guard prevented escape. Sims was forcibly returned to Savannah, Georgia where he received 39 lashes in a public square.

Eight artillery companies, militia units, and police escort Burns from the courthouse. Large crowds line the streets, chanting “shame.” Lamp posts are draped in black, and sailors jeer from the rigging of ships. Cayenne pepper rains down on the troops from an office window. The scene is tense and chaotic, reflecting the public’s outrage and protest.

Eight artillery . . .

Anthony Burns

Spectacular protests accompanied the arrest of Anthony Burns in 1854. While abolitionists held rallies at Tremont Temple and Faneuil Hall, a rescue attempt began at the courthouse. After a wild struggle with rocks, battering rams, knives and pistols, guard James Batchelder was mortally wounded. Burns was returned to slavery. Lewis Hayden was arrested but not tried in this case. He had manned a battering ram and discharged a pistol during the melee.


A historical document titled “Petition for the Removal of Judge Loring, 1855.” The petition is addressed to the Massachusetts legislature and includes the name of Lewis Hayden among other signatories. The text requests the removal of Judge Edward G. Loring, who ordered the return of Anthony Burns to slavery. The document is aged, with visible wear and tear, reflecting its historical significance. In 1857, after a prolonged dispute, Judge Loring was removed from his position.

Petition for . . . 

An image depicting the story of Anthony Burns, who escaped from Virginia by stowing away on a ship bound for Boston. After arriving in Boston, he found work in a local clothing store. The image captures the moment of his arrest, which occurred while he was working. Massachusetts abolitionists later purchased his freedom. The image is credited to the Library of Congress.

Burns had . . .