Sally Gaston, a free woman of color also called Sally De Passau, represents that her daughter, Catherine, is illegally held in slavery by J. P. Nesbit. Sally Gaston represents that she was born in Randolph County, Illinois, and "brought up in the family & under the charge of James Gaston." When she was about eight years of age, she was kidnapped, brought to New Orleans, and sold to William Cecil, late of Jefferson Parish. She now resides in St. Claire County, Illinois. Sally avers that since she was born free and is now free, her daughter must be “deemed” free. She therefore asks the court to declare Catherine free. She also asks that Catherine be sequestered by the sheriff and hired out to a person “in whom implicit confidence may be placed” until the court has decided the case.
Result: Granted.
Or you may view all people.
Repository: New Orleans Public Library, New Orleans, Louisiana
