Beschreibung:

Title: Manuscript document containing a statement and judgment in the case of a slave who successfully sued for his freedom in Louisiana, but the heir of his former owner attempted to take him back Author: Place: Louisiana Publisher: Date: 1836 Description: 2 pages on 4-page lettersheet, in ink. The first page contains “Statement of the negro man to Reed” (pencil note at top of page); the second page contains the verdict of the jury (“in favor of the Plaintiffs”), as well as a copy of the receipt to Charles from his lawyer in the case. Charles, along with Betsey, had sued his owner former, a Mr. Rochblane (or Rochblanc?), for their freedom, and attained it, but nearly a dozen years later the son, apparently, Philip Rochblane, asserted he was their rightful owner. As outlined in Charles's statement, the elder Rochblane died, “he is dead. I was told by several persons living at Bayou Lafinche the names of the persons that told me I don’t recollect… I was told that he and another man went down to the coast after Oysters and that he died down there… How long since you heard that Rochblanc was dead, about seven years ago. Did you sue Mr. Rochblane for your freedom, yes, how long ago was that, about 11 or 12 years ago… What is your lawyer’s name, Stacy I think John Stacy…” A curious case in which justice was indeed done. Lot Amendments Condition: A portion of the letter is darkened, else very good. Item number: 258235