Negle presents that, until recently, he was the owner of a slave named Bienvenu, a man in the “prime of his life and possessed of many useful talents.” Early in 1806, and just two weeks prior to the present suit, the fifteen-year-old son of one Jean Louis Laurent, also known as Duroit, pointed a loaded gun at Bienvenu and “with criminal carelessness” snapped it several times until it fired and mortally wounded Bienvenu. Bienvenu died shortly thereafter in spite of the “care and attention” of able doctors. Although the child’s father had initially promised to compensate Negle for the loss of his slave, he is now reneging on the promise, and Negle is suing him. Although Negle is unclear about how much he really wants, he makes it clear that it includes the value of his slave set at $800, based on a recent purchase offer, plus medical costs. Negle also asks the court to convene a jury to assess damages and grant “such other and further relief” that may be warranted [Original in English and French].
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Repository: Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
