Public Service in the Early Republic

In 1808, James Freeman (1764–1816) of Sandwich sent this affectionate note and silhouette of himself to his four-year-old daughter Experience (Excy). Freeman would have traveled away from home often as High Sheriff of Barnstable County during the early years of the United States.

In an age before railroads, telegraphs, or modern transportation, local officials traveled long distances to carry out the work of government. Sheriffs served court orders, conducted elections, and enforced the decisions of the courts.

Before photography, silhouettes provided an affordable way to preserve a person's likeness. Today, this portrait offers a glimpse of a man whose work helped sustain the institutions of the young republic.