John, James, and Drusilla Osborn, three heirs of Francis Osborn, charge that in 1821 or 1822, Osborn sold 18 slaves to Jeremiah Perry to protect his property from claims. Shortly afterward, Perry sold the slaves to Francis Osborn's son Joshua "for the nominal consideration of two thousand five hundred dollars." The petitioners allege that the intent was "not only to defraud the creditors of the said Francis Osborn, but also his children." The plaintiffs claim that no money changed hands in either transaction and that Francis Osborn kept the slaves until his death in 1824. When Francis died, Joshua seized the slaves and other property and refused to share it with the other heirs. The plaintiffs seek subpoenas against Jeremiah Perry and Joshua Osborn and ask the court to void the bills of sale.
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Repository: Maryland State Archives, Annapolis, Maryland
