In the early 1830s, Halifax County resident Francis Royall sent his agent, Abner Shelton, to Richmond to buy a slave. The agent purchased a slave named Peter for $600, but Peter escaped on the way home, shortly after leaving Richmond. He remained at large for several years until he was captured and jailed in Portsmouth about 1836. At the time of the capture, Shelton had died and Royall had no means of proving he was the legal owner of the jailed man. In accordance with the law, Peter was sold at auction in 1840 and the proceeds placed in the Treasury after jail expenses were paid. Royall now seeks to be compensated by the legislature. A related document reveals that the balance remaining from Peter's sale, after expenses paid, were placed four years later in the "Cr. of Literary Fund."
Result: Bill drawn.
Or you may view all people.
Repository: Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia
