Thomas Peters: A Key Figure in the History of Black Loyalists and Sierra Leone

Thomas Peters, originally born Thomas Potters in 1738, played a significant role as a veteran of the Black Pioneers during the American Revolutionary War. As a Black Loyalist, he was instrumental in advocating for former enslaved people and helped establish the foundation of Sierra Leone in West Africa. This educational overview explores his life, contributions, and legacy.

Early Life

Origins

Thomas Peters was believed to have been born in West Africa, specifically within the Yoruba tribe of the Egba clan. Legends suggest that he came from noble birth before being kidnapped and enslaved. The first documented evidence of his life in North America traces him to 1776 when he was identified as a slave belonging to William Campbell in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Enslavement

In 1760, Peters was captured by slave traders and transported to French Louisiana aboard a ship named Henri Quatre. Following his arrival in America, he was sold to a French planter but attempted to escape multiple times. Eventually, he was sold to Campbell, a Scotsman who had settled in Wilmington. The harsh conditions of his enslavement fueled Peters’ resolve to seek freedom.

The American Revolutionary War

Joining the Black Pioneers

In 1776, at the start of the American Revolutionary War, Peters escaped from his master’s flour mill and migrated to New York. There, he enlisted in the Black Pioneers, a loyalist unit comprised of former enslaved African-Americans. The British government had promised freedom to enslaved individuals who fought for the Crown in exchange for their service.

Military Service and Marriage

Rising to the rank of sergeant, Peters served valiantly, enduring wounds in battle. During his time with the Black Pioneers, he met and married Sally, a fellow refugee who had also escaped slavery. They had two children: Clairy, born in 1771, and John, born in 1781.

Resettlement in Nova Scotia

Following the war, Peters and approximately 3,000 other former slaves were evacuated by the British to Nova Scotia, where they hoped for a better future. Initially, they faced challenges such as unfulfilled promises of land and resources from the British government. Despite these hardships, Peters and his family settled in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia.

Petitioning for Land

Disheartened by the lack of support, Peters embarked on a journey to England in 1791 to demand the land grants promised to Black Loyalists. His efforts led him to gather signatures from African-American settlers in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, advocating for their rights.

Founding of Sierra Leone

Peters played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Sierra Leone colony. His negotiations in London, supported by abolitionist Granville Sharp, were successful, convincing the British government to allocate land for the settlement of Black Loyalists in West Africa, ultimately leading to the founding of Freetown in 1792.

Recruitment and Migration

Upon returning to Nova Scotia, Peters collaborated with other leaders to encourage migration to Sierra Leone. His efforts resulted in more than 1,100 African-Americans embarking on the journey to West Africa.

Arrival and Challenges in Sierra Leone

The settlers arrived in Sierra Leone in 1792, with Peters leading a group of Nova Scotians ashore. Despite his efforts to position himself as a leader, conflicts arose with John Clarkson, the appointed governor of the settlement. Peters faced disillusionment as the majority of settlers favored Clarkson’s leadership.

Peters, along with many others, succumbed to disease in the colony’s early years, but his legacy continued through his family and the Krios, descendants of the original settlers.

Legacy and Honors

Thomas Peters is recognized as a pivotal historical figure in Sierra Leone, akin to a founding father. His descendants make up part of the Creole ethnic group known as the Krio people. Peters has been honored in various ways, such as being featured in a film celebrating national heroes of Sierra Leone and having a statue erected in Freetown.

In 2022, he was designated a National Historic Person in Canada, recognizing his contributions and enduring impact on the history of African diaspora and the establishment of Sierra Leone.

Conclusion

Thomas Peters’ life exemplifies resilience, leadership, and the quest for dignity amidst the struggles faced by Black Loyalists and former enslaved individuals. His contributions to the establishment of Sierra Leone remain a significant part of both Canadian and Sierra Leonean history, illustrating the far-reaching consequences of his journey from captivity to becoming a symbol of hope and perseverance.