Sezor Phelps was enslaved at Forty Acres, the Phelps family home, for six years — but left behind something rare: a letter in his own voice. Purchased by Charles Phelps in 1770 at age 18, Sezor endured health problems including a severely injured hand that left it unusable. When another enslaved woman, Peg, was sold away in 1772, Charles noted a marked decline in Sezor’s spirits.

In 1776, Charles sent Sezor to serve in the Continental Army in his place — a common practice in which enslaved men fought as substitutes for white men. Though they earned the same wages, they were required to give half or more to their enslaver. Sezor never received his pay at all.

Read more about Cesar Phelps here at the Porter- Phelps – Huntington House Museum