Petition #20885148

Abstract

Carmélite, a woman of color, claims to be a “statu liber” held in the bonds of slavery beyond the time when she should have been freed. She prays for her freedom. Carmélite represents that, on the 17th of June 1844, her then owner, "Mademoiselle" Françoise Eléonore Doubrère, sold her to one Jean Lacaze on the condition that Lacaze would free her after a period of seven years. Although seven years have elapsed since the sale, Lacaze not only refuses to take the steps to emancipate Carmélite but he had her put in jail. Carmélite prays to be declared free and seeks $1,000 in damages from Lacaze, as well as $75 per month for the value of her services. The related supreme court opinion and decree reveals that Françoise Eléonore Doubrère, Carmélite's former owner, was a free woman of color.

Result: Dismissed; intervened; found for intervenor and against defendant; defendant's motion for new trial; dismissed; appealed; reversed; reheard; affirmed.

6 people are documented within petition 20885148

Or you may view all people.

Citation information

Repository: University of New Orleans

Subjects