Isabella, a woman of color, seeks her freedom. Isabella presents that she was held as a slave by Thomas Gates "in Mexico in the Province or State of Texas." In 1836, Gates moved to the United States, bringing Isabella with him. She was later seized and sold to Milton Johnson to pay Gates's debts. Johnson died in 1840 and Isabella was subsequently sold, first to Gates' widow, Sarah Johnson, soon to be Mrs. Dalsheimer, and then to one William C. Dwight for $700. Isabella claims that Dwight refused to pay the second installment when "he was made acquainted with such facts as led him to doubt whether" she was a slave. Isabella was seized again and sold to Peter Pecot. Pecot also "refused to pay" when he learned Isabella's history. However, John Carson, administrator of Johnson's estate, promised to "return said price & indemnify" Pecot if Isabella was entitled to her freedom. Since October 1842, Pecot has claimed Isabella as his slave. Isabella avers that "she is a free woman and is illegally, unjustly and wilfully held as a slave." She contends that, as slavery is illegal in Mexico, Gates should have never held her in such a state and anyone "holding title by or through him" is in violation of the law. She also claims her freedom on the ground that she was illegally imported into the United States. She prays to be emancipated.
Result: Denied; appealed; upheld.
Or you may view all people.
Repository: University of New Orleans
