In 1804 Israel Leonard purchased a slave named Samuel for $600. A few months later, however, Samuel sued for his freedom. The sheriff took the slave into custody, but Samuel escaped. Leonard sued the sheriff but the jury rendered a verdict in favor of the sheriff, alleging that the poor conditions of the jail for safekeeping were not the responsibility of the sheriff but the county. They advised that Leonard should seek compensation from the county. Leonard asks the legislature to force the county to pay him for the loss of his slave.
Result: Denied.
Or you may view all people.
Repository: Mississippi Department of Archives and History, Jackson, Mississippi
