William H. Smith represents that he sold eleven slaves to John M. Gilchrist, a slave trader, in 1845 for the sum of $2,400. The terms of the sale were cash. Some time after the sale, Gilchrist alleged that he had been informed that a third person claimed title to the slaves. He therefore refused to pay for the purchase or to return the slaves. Smith fears that Gilchrist has already “eloigned & carried off” some of the slaves and that his intent in making the allegation is fraudulent. He therefore prays for an order compelling Gilchrist to answer the premises of his suit. He asks that Gilchrist be directed to deliver the slaves and account for their wages or pay the purchase money. He also seeks an injunction to prevent Gilchrist from “removing eloigning or in any way putting away” the slaves without an order of the court.
Result: Granted pro confesso.
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Repository: South Carolina Department of Archives and History, Columbia, South Carolina
