Shepard Bourn, a molatto, married Peggy Darling in 1807. He went to sea and was impressed onto a British ship in 1812 and detained in Gibraltar. He sent letters to his mother seeking help to gain his freedom. Documents were provided in response to his request which certified his dates of birth and marriage, and his U.S. citizenship.

Shepard's parents were Salem Bourne (who was enslaved by John Bourne) and his wife Peggy. (Note: Shepard's wife and mother had the same name.)

Shepard was born on May 2, 1787, and married Peggy Darling on Jan 19, 1807.

Please refer to the "Research Articles & Highlights" entry entitled "Sheppard Bourn - a Story of Impressment at Sea" for a more complete account.

Bibliography:

Wells, ME: Vital Records, 1737-1841 (Online database: AmericanAncestors.org, New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2016), (Handwritten transcription of original records by Joshua Hubbard, "Copy of births, marriages & deaths taken from Wells town books of record", 1860, R. Stanton Avery Special Collections Department, NEHGS, Boston, MA) https://www.americanancestors.org/DB1689/i/39960/44/1044296696

"Haiti and the Atlantic World" website (https://haitidoi.com/) - https://haitidoi.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/shepherd-bourn-miscellaneous-correspondence-regarding-impressed-seamen-nara-rg-59.pdf