Caesar Bailey

Bio

Caesar was enslaved by Nathaniel Dickinson of Deerfield, Massachusetts. From Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the Revolutionary War (Vol. 1, pg. 526), we learn that he was 32 years old when he enlisted in 1781.  He was 5 ft., 7 in. tall, with a black complexion and black hair. His occupation was listed as farmer.

In 1771, Caesar stole a gallon of rum. His Hampshire County court record is below:

To Thomas Williams one of his Majesties Justices of the Peace for the County of Hampshire, John Williams of s^d County, Gentleman, against Cesar a laborer, a servant of Nathaniel Dickinson of Deerfield aforesaid that on the last day of November A.D. 1771, he s^d Cesar did at Deerfield aforesaid, feloniously take steal and carry away one gallon of West India Rum, of the value of four shillings Lawful money, the property of y^r complainant and other enormities there and then did against the peace & contrary to law. Wherefore y^r complainant prays that a warrant may issue against s^d Cesar, that he may be apprehended and dealt with according to law & as in duty bound.

Caesar was brought to trial, but the outcome is unknown.  The expenses for his trial are listed in pounds, shillings, and pence:

Sheriffs fees for service                             1-4
one assistant one day                              4-
Two witnesses 1 day each   Titus negro   1-6 
John Linsey                                             1-6
Comp t  [complaint] & warrant              1-6
Entry & c.                                               3-4
Total                                                     13-2

Threefold damages                              12- £1-5-2

Examined and allowed Thomas Williams Justo Pace. [Justice of the Peace] 

Caesar first enlisted in April of 1775, when he signed up for 8 months. He served in the Boston, Massachusetts area and was present at the Lexington Alarm. For his service he was paid £2 and 5 shillings. In 1781, he enlisted for another three years.

First Church of Deerfield records show that on January 16, 1778, Caesar married Hagar. Both were recorded as being "servants to Samuel Dickinson." Nathaniel and Samuel were brothers who lived together until their farm was seized due to Nathaniel's Tory (favoring British rule) activities.  Caesar and Hagar then became Samuel's property.

Caesar died fighting and years later Hagar filed for his pension but was turned down, due to "no proof of service, contradictory statements."

Military Service

• Apr. 19, 1775; private in Capt. Jonas Locke’s Co., Col. Williams’ Regiment; served 9 days; at the Lexington, MA alarm
• May 15, 1775; private in Lieut. Nathaniel Sartell’s Co., Col. William Prescott’s Regiment; served 78 days
• Oct. 7, 1775; Captain Ephraim Corey’s Co., Col. William Prescott’s Regiment
• Oct. 31, 1775; Captain Ephraim Corey’s Co., Col. William Prescott’s Regiment; on order for a bounty coat or its cash equivalent; at Camp Cambridge, MA
• Apr. 3, 1781; enlisted for 3 years