White Baltimore resident Sarah Alnutt petitions the military for help returning a Black child taken from her residence by family members

White Baltimore resident Sarah Alnutt petitions the military for help returning a Black child taken from her residence by family members

White Baltimore resident Sarah Alnutt to Gen. Lew Wallace asking for help returning Black child Dolly Parran, who was apparently taken from her residence by distant relations. Includes a letter from the Baltimore police, who investigated the incident.

11/29/1864

Baltimore, MD

White Resident of Baltimore to the Commander of the Middle Department; and Baltimore Deputy Marshal to the Commander of the Middle Department





[Baltimore, Md., November 29, 1864]

To Genl Wallace

Was taken from my dwelling No 100. Lee Street on the evening of November 2nd a molatto childe named Dolly Parran about Six years of age, Known to have bee taken by a Cold Girl by the name of Mary Tyler whose mother lives at No 4 Tyson Street. near Saratogo St. named Anna Ross her husband, Lewis Ross The child taken was an Orphan Child no relations with the exception of second cousins

I raised the childs mother. and child from infancy. no doubt She is confined at No 4. Tyson St. or the inmates can be made to give the whereabouts. of their daughter Mary Tyler who stole the child awy. your kinde attention to the above will much relieve a, distressed mother and daughter: very Respectfully

Balto Nov 29’ 1864. Sarah. Alnutt





[Endorsement] Hd Qrs. Mid. Dept
Nov. 29. 1864

Chief of Police—

Will you please direct one of yr. policemen to ascertain, from the woman who took this child, what has become of it, and send me word.

Lew Wallace
Maj. Gen. Comd





Police Department.

Office of the Marshal,
Baltimore, November 29 1864

Major Genl Wallace,

In reference to the molatto child spoken of in Mrs Alnut, letter, I would say that, the parties living in Tyson St, deny the statement of Mrs Alnut,

they will call at your Head Quarters to morrow, morning at, 10 Oclock, and give you a full explanation of the matter Yours &c

John S. Manly
Deputy Marshal





Sarah. Alnutt to Genl Wallace , 29 Nov. 1864, filed with Deputy Marshal John S. Manly to Major Genl Wallace, 29 Nov. 1864, M-816 1864, Letters Received, ser. 2343, Middle Dept. & 8th Army Corps, RG 393 Pt. 1 [C-4235]. In 1870, ten-year-old Dolly Parron was listed on the census living with Thomas and Christiana Allnut as a “Domestic Servant.”