Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division

Enslaved people who traveled from one place to another were supposed to carry a pass signed by their owner. Those without such a pass could be arrested, jailed, and detained as a runaway. Some owners wrote general passes allowing their slaves to "pass" and "repass."  The pass above was granted to Benjamin, allowing him to travel to a market in Shenandoah County, Virginia. Dated 1 January 1843, it included the destination as well as the specific day on which he was to return.