The law was fiercely resisted in Boston, and the case attracted national
publicity, large demonstrations, protests and an attack on US Marshals
at the courthouse. Federal troops were used to ensure Burns was
transported to a ship for return to Virginia after the trial. He was
eventually ransomed from slavery, with his freedom purchased by Boston
sympathizers. Afterward he was educated at Oberlin College and became a Baptist preacher, moving to Upper Canada for a position
