Nat, a man of color, claims that he lived in Clarksville, Missouri, three years ago with his master, Stephen Ruddle. Ruddle moved to Illinois, taking Nat with him, and "held him to labour as a slave upwards of two Years." Recently, Ruddle brought Nat to St. Louis to sell him to "New Orleans traders." Nat seeks permission to sue as a poor person against Ruddle to "establish his freedom" and asks the court to appoint counsel for him.
Result: Petition granted; plea of trespass filed, denied; motion for new trial overruled, appealed, affirmed.
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Repository: Missouri State Archives, Jefferson City, Missouri
