William Ruff represents that he entered into a business partnership in 1836 with Presley B. Ruff, John Ruff, and James A. Graham, buying and selling slaves or, as commonly called, “negro speculating.” During their short partnership, which ultimately failed, the four men purchased slaves to the amount of $15,500 on credit. Presley Ruff subsequently joined John Ruff and James Graham in Alabama, where they “made a conjectural settlement of accounts,” whereby it appeared that John Ruff owed $5,950.77 to Presley Ruff. John issued a promissory note to Presley and mortgaged a “large number” of slaves to secure the debt. William claims that he learned of what had transpired much later. John Ruff also owed $6500 to William, and he had given William a note, for which he had to confess judgment. However, the judgment could not be executed as John had no property. John then agreed to mortgage to William the same slaves he had already mortgaged to Presley; in the meantime, Presley Ruff seized and sold the mortgaged slaves. William therefore asks that his former partners be summoned to answer his bill and to give a full account of their dealings, which he charges were all fraudulent. He also prays that the note and mortgage between John and Presley Ruff be declared void and that Presley Ruff be required to pay him for the sale of the slaves. William claims that he "is willing to accept in lieu of said slaves the amount for which said Presley B. Ruff bid off said slaves." [Petition is missing page/s.]
Result: Granted pro confesso.
Or you may view all people.
Repository: South Carolina Department of Archives and History, Columbia, South Carolina
