In December 1831, William Robertson hired out "his man slave James an experienced and skillful carpenter by Trade" to William Henderson, manager of "the Roslin Estate" in Chesterfield County, owned by James Dunlop of London. Although he hired James for the entire year of 1832 at a rate of $160, Robert Leslie, Dunlop's agent, returned him after only three months. "In preference to permitting him, valuable as he is, from going at large for the remainder of the year," Robertson kept James at home, and "has received much less for his services than he would have done had he been retained in the Estate at Roslin." Robertson now sues Dunlop and Leslie for compensation for the time James worked at Roslin and for the "description of clothing" he furnished him, suitable "for such Tradesman." Two attached letters from Robertson to Leslie provide details about plantation management at Roslin, including a reference to "the probable increased demand for negro labour next year, arising out of the disturbances at Southampton."
Result: Partially granted.
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Repository: Circuit Court Clerk's Office, Petersburg, Virginia
