The Abduction of the Burden’s Children

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venezuelans Deported by Trump Management Freed from El Salvador Detention

A group of Venezuelan nationals,detained in El Salvador as March under controversial US policy,have been released. The men were among over 230 Venezuelans sent to El Salvador by the Trump administration, with many reportedly deported without due process under the Alien enemies Act of 1798.

Investigations by multiple publications have indicated that a significant portion of these individuals had no ties to the Tren de Aragua gang, the alleged reason for their deportation. Rather, many appear to have been targeted based on innocuous tattoos, such as an autism awareness ribbon. Reports suggest that approximately 90% of these migrants lacked any prior criminal record in the United States. The administration has not provided evidence to substantiate its claims of gang affiliation.

The Venezuelan government announced the liberation of 252 nationals whom they described as “kidnapped and subjected to forced disappearance in a concentration camp” in El Salvador. A statement from the government indicated that Venezuela incurred a “high price” to secure their release through an agreement with US authorities. This accord also reputedly facilitated the return of seven Venezuelan migrant children who had remained in the US after their parents’ deportation.

One of the released individuals, who had been detained for over four months, is awaiting reunion with his family. His former employer in Dallas, a US citizen of Venezuelan descent, expressed mixed emotions about the release.While relieved, he lamented the experience, stating, “The bitterness is still ther. The anger about what happened to him is still there.” He recounted his efforts to secure legal representation for his friend, only to find lawyers unwilling to take the case due to jurisdictional concerns.

What factors contributed to the vulnerability of families like the Burdens to abduction during the French and Indian War?

The Historical Context of the Burden Family

The story of the Burden’s Children, a tragic event in 18th-century colonial America, remains a chilling example of frontier violence and the complexities of early American settlement. While often overshadowed by larger conflicts, the abduction of the Burden family – Silas, Hannah, and their children – by Native American raiding parties, specifically those associated with the French and Indian War, continues to fascinate and horrify historians and researchers alike. Understanding the context of the French and Indian War (1754-1763) is crucial. This conflict, a North American theater of the Seven Years’ War, pitted British and French colonists against each other, with numerous Native American tribes aligning with either side. The Burden family’s settlement in present-day New York State placed them directly within this volatile zone. Early colonial settlements were vulnerable to raids, often motivated by economic gain, territorial disputes, or retaliation for perceived injustices.

The Raid on the Burden homestead – November 1758

On November 12, 1758, the Burden homestead in present-day Washington County, New York, was attacked.Accounts vary, but the raid was likely conducted by a war party affiliated with the French and their Native American allies, primarily the Abenaki. Silas Burden, a farmer, was away from the homestead at the time, leaving his wife, Hannah, and their five children – Jeremiah, Joseph, Hannah Jr., Abigail, and little Silas – vulnerable.

The Attack: The raiding party descended upon the homestead with surprising speed. Hannah Burden attempted to defend her children, but was quickly overwhelmed.

The Abduction: Hannah and all five children were taken captive. Their fate remained unknown for years, fueling speculation and anxiety throughout the region.

Silas Burden’s return: When Silas Burden returned, he discovered the devastation. The scene was one of chaos and loss, marking the beginning of a desperate search for his family. He instantly alerted local authorities and began organizing a search party.

The Fate of the captives: A Long and Uncertain Journey

The Burden family’s captivity was a harrowing ordeal. They were forced to travel hundreds of miles through harsh wilderness, enduring hunger, cold, and the constant threat of violence. Their captors intended to either assimilate them into their tribe or trade them for prisoners held by the British.

Routes of Captivity & Potential Destinations

Tracing the exact route of the Burden family is difficult due to limited historical records. However, research suggests several possibilities:

1. North to Canada: A common route for captives was north into Canada, specifically to French settlements like Montreal. Here, they could be ransomed or integrated into French colonial society.
2. West to Ohio Country: Some captives were taken west into the Ohio Country, a contested territory between the British and French, and held by tribes allied with the French.
3. Assimilation Attempts: Hannah burden and her children were subjected to attempts at cultural assimilation, including language instruction and religious conversion. This process was frequently enough traumatic and resulted in the loss of identity.

Evidence of Ransom Attempts & Negotiations

Historical documents reveal that Silas Burden tirelessly pursued every lead, attempting to negotiate the release of his family. He engaged in correspondence with colonial officials, missionaries, and even French authorities.

Ransom Offers: Silas offered substantial ransoms for the return of his wife and children, but these offers were often ignored or met with exorbitant demands.

Missionary involvement: Missionaries, who often had established relationships with Native American tribes, played a crucial role in facilitating dialog and negotiating releases.

Political Obstacles: The ongoing war complex ransom efforts. Political tensions and distrust between the British and French hindered any meaningful progress.

The Return of Some, the Loss of Others

After years of uncertainty, some members of the Burden family were eventually returned. Jeremiah and Joseph Burden were ransomed and returned to their father in 1760. However, the fate of Hannah Burden, Hannah Jr