William Lee states that, in 1854, Charles Sherman owed $4100 to "Suter, Lea & Co., Bankers of the city of Washington." Sherman executed a deed of trust, whereby he mortgaged his property, including four slaves, in trust to William Mix. The four slaves were "Henry, a Cook, then of the age of thirty nine years, Rose a colored girl and house Servant, and then about fifteen years of age, Ann, a colored girl then about twelve years of age, and Lou, (otherwise called Louisa) a colored girl then about the age of nine years." The deed specified that if Sherman failed to pay the debt, Mix should auction the estate and pay the balance due. Lee avers that in 1855, Suter, Lea & Co. endorsed the deed and granted all right, title, and interest to John Ely, who in 1858, sold it to John Hays, who sold it to the petitioner. The debt now owed to the petitioner amounts to $5400. Lee asserts that Sherman has recently filed a schedule of his slaves in accordance with a Congressional Act passed on 16 April 1862, abolishing slavery in the District of Columbia. Owners were required to file a schedule of slaves with the court, which issued certificates of freedom. The commissioners appointed under the act of Congress appraised the slaves at $1642.50. Lee believes that this money should be used as a payment on Sherman's debt. He avers that Mix has failed in his position as trustee and has neglected to sell the estate to pay Sherman's debt. Lee seeks an injunction preventing Sherman from obtaining the money for the slaves.
Result: Settled.
Or you may view all people.
Repository: National Archives, Washington, D. C.
