Sen. Buckson asks Trump to pardon abolitionist John Hunn

A Delaware Republican Senator has sent a letter to President Trump asking him to posthumously pardon an Underground Railroad hero and abolitionist from the First State.

Sen. Eric Buckson, R-Dover, wants Trump to grant clemency to John Hunn, a Quaker abolitionist born in 1818 who is widely regarded as the architect of Delaware’s Underground Railroad. 

John Hunn’s legacy

Hunn was convicted of federal crimes for his work aiding enslaved individuals, a mark of injustice that Buckson believes should be rectified. 

“John Hunn’s legacy deserves to be one of heroism, not criminality,” Buckson said. “By granting him a posthumous pardon, we honor his bravery and commitment to justice, and we affirm our nation’s dedication to human rights and equality.”

Hunn operated from his plantation, which is now the site of Middletown High School in the Appoquiimink School District.

His efforts were conducted alongside other freedom fighters like Samuel Burris, a freed slave and abolitionist who was pardoned by Delaware Governor Jack Markell in 2015.

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The Delaware State Senate unanimously passed a resolution in April 2023 requesting a posthumous pardon for Hunn. 

Letters were sent to President Biden in April 2023 and again in January 2025, but the effort remained unresolved as his term concluded.

“John Hunn took incredible personal risks to fight the ferocious barbarity of slavery,” added Buckson. “Correcting this historical wrong would send a powerful message about our commitment to justice and equality as a nation.”

Buckson told Trump he urges him to honor Hunn’s bravery and commitment to justice by granting a posthumous pardon.

“By doing so, you will affirm our nation’s commitment to justice, equality, and human rights while correcting a profound historical wrong,” he wrote.