According to the US Census the number of slaves reported as fugitives in free states in 1850 was 1,011. That number represented 1 in 3,165 slaves. The annual loss to slaveholders had increased over the years which was exacerbated by the north’s reluctance to return runaways. The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 replaced the weakened fugitive Slave Act of 1793 which faced increased resistance from northern states. The new act added provisions for harsher punishment and fines for those who interfered in the capture of a runaway slave as well as gave incentives to those who captured escapees.
