Eight years ago, on 15 February 1853, the court indentured "a certain Mathias Egleston col." to John McMullan. He says that Egleston, now about 14 1/2 years old, has been "a very bad and troublesome boy." Several weeks ago, the city criminal court convicted Mathias of stealing a pistol and "sentenced [him] to be sold in the state for 2 years." McMullan, trying to prevent Egleston from becoming "perhaps a slave for Life," bought him for $80. He says that Egleston stole things several other times, but he, "thinking the boy would do better as he grew older paid the damage." However, after "8 years close observation and many, very many trials," McMullan believes that the boy "will not be any better, but grows worse." He calls Egleston a "most notorious thiefe." McMullan asks the court to extend the boy's indenture to compensate his losses and to allow him to sell Egleston. Related documents reveal that Egleston's term of service is transferred at least three more times.
Result: Granted; rescinded.
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Repository: Maryland State Archives, Annapolis, Maryland
