Robert G. Beverley of Kentucky seeks to be compensated for the loss of his slave named Charles. Beverley represents that, in November 1850, he hired out Charles to serve as fireman aboard the Steamboat Empire under the charge of Captain C. H. Meekin. Typically, the Empire carried passengers and freight between New Orleans, Louisiana, and Louisville, Kentucky. In December 1850, however, Meekin took the boat beyond Louisville to Cincinnati, Ohio, where slavery is not “permitted.” In Cincinnati, Charles made his escape and was never found. Beverley charges that Charles was carried to Cincinnati without his knowledge and consent, and in violation of his rights and the hiring contract. Claiming “Carelessness and negligence” on the part of Captain Meekin and the owners of the steamboat, Beverley seeks compensation from Captain Meekin and the owners of the Empire in the sum of $1,000, the value of his slave. He also asks to be granted a privilege on the property of the defendants. In a supplemental petition, Beverley revises Charles's estimated value upward to $1,200.
Result: Granted; appealed; affirmed.
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Repository: University of New Orleans
