[ENSLAVEMENT & ABOLITION]. Maryland deed of manumission for Levin Purnell, an enslaved man who enlisted in the 9th United States Colored Troops. 1864.

Partly printed "Board of Claims for Slaves Enlisted in U. S. Service" document certifying that Isaac B. Purnell of Worcester County, Maryland, filed a "valid Deed of Manumission and Release of Service" for his slave, Levin Purnell, who enlisted in Co. G, 9th United States Colored Troops, on 18 November 1864. 7 5/8 x 9 3/4 in., with embossed seal and 2-cent revenue stamp affixed. Lower but on the same page is an order, signed by Isaac Purnell, to pay the claim of $100 to Joseph Godfrey (unknown relation).

Attached is a separate "Proof of Ownership" document for the enslaved Levin Purnell, signed by Isaac Purnell as claimant. Worcester County, 25 March 1865. 8 1/2 x 14 in., with embossed seal and two 5-cent revenue stamps affixed. Docketed verso.

Levin Purnell is listed as having mustered into Company G of the 9th USCT on 30 November 1863. He was mustered out three years later on 26 November 1866. The 9th served primarily along the South Atlantic coast during 1863-1864, participating in the Ashepoo Expedition in May, and the expedition to Johns and James Islands in June-July. After moving to Bermuda Hundred, VA in August, the regiment participated in siege operations against Petersburg and Richmond from August through April of the following year. They skirmished at Deep bottom, Russell's Mills, and served duty in the trenches near Petersburg through late September. It participated in the Battle of Fair Oaks in October, and later was one of the regiments to occupy Richmond, and thereafter move through Texas throughout 1866.