1792-Aug.: A French-speaking hairdresser named Charmant successfully absconded from the emigré who claimed to own him in Kingston to establish an indepe

1792-Aug.: A French-speaking hairdresser named Charmant successfully absconded from the emigré who claimed to own him in Kingston to establish an independent livelihood. Fluent in both English and French, he utilized his skills and linguistic mobility to navigate the complex social landscape of the British port city. His escape demonstrated that many of the “trusted” enslaved domestics brought by white refugees were quick to seize the opportunity for freedom in a new environment. Charmant’s case reflects a broader pattern of urban marronnage where skilled black artisans sought a “masterless” existence in the city’s busy streets. His actions challenged the legal definition of property by asserting his right to his own labor and expertise.