Governor Markell considers pardons

Governor Jack Markell’s office is considering a number of requests to pardon three 19th century Delawareans convicted of helping smuggle slaves.

Robert Seeley of Pennsylvania, has asked the governor to pardon his ancestor Thomas Garrett, a quaker who apparently helped thousands of slaves reach freedom.

Seeley is also requesting to pardon John Hunn and Samuel Burris. In 1884,Hunn and Garret were convicted for aiding a slave family.

Governor Markell’s office has reached out to the Board of Pardons with this request, and if approved, Markell will be able to pardon these individuals.