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DOB
He was born in September 2, 1766
in Philadelphia, PA -
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Continued school
After his father's death in 1773, he continued school for 2 more years and then took a job working in a small store. -
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School
James attended a school that had been established by a Quaker named Anthony Benezer for African children. -
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War
when James was 14, his mother finally gave him permission to go to sea fight for America's freedom. -
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Battle #1
In august, The royal louis sailed out of Philadelphia and quickly got engaged in Battle with the heavily armed British vessel Active. -
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Royal Louis
In the summer of 1781, James boarded the privateer Royal Louis, commanded by Captain Stephen Decatur Sr. to work by carrying gunpowder from belowdecks to the guns. -
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Battle #2
Sailors caught sight of a British ship and set course for it immediately. But suddenly they were surrounded by three British vessels, the Amphyon, the Nymph, and the sloop Pomona. -
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Prisoners
The crew of the Royal Louis got sent aboard the Jersey, the British prison ship. James Forten was glad he was not sold to slavery. Many were sick or injured aboard the Jersey. Many prisoners died.