In 1855 the court indentured Hester Ann Powell, a free person of color, to Joseph Swinney. In 1860 the court extended Hester's indenture by three years. Swinney then sold her indenture to John Hinesly. Hannah Powell alleges that Hinesly "Sold and disposed of the Said Hester to a certain Southern Negro Trader, and sent her beyond the limits of the State of Maryland." Powell argues "that the said Hester was an orphan when she was bound by this Honorable Court," and as such is still under its protection. She asks that a writ of habeas corpus be issued for Hester and that Hinesly be commanded "to answer the premises."
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Repository: Maryland State Archives, Annapolis, Maryland
