Joseph G. J. Bend and William Wilson, guardians of Maria Long, explain that a slave bequeathed to their ward by her late father for the term of 30 years was kept by Maria's mother during the mother's lifetime. Since her death, the slave has brought nothing useful to Maria's estate, "but lounges about the house of John H. Pratt, who employs him, & yet has intimated an intention to charge for his board." In addition, the slave has "contracted a disease, through vicious indulgence, which required medical aid; & he has presumed so far as to refuse to live in a place provided for him because he did not like it." Noting that "the prospect of his being useful to his mistress being very small," the petitioners are of the opinion that the slave should be sold. They ask the court to authorize the sale, with the proceeds to be applied to their ward's estate.
Result: Granted.
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Repository: Maryland State Archives, Annapolis, Maryland
