In 1805, James Housland purchased a sorrel mare from Richard Bowler for £13.17. He soon discovered, however, that the horse "was the property of London Mumford, a free black man, who is now dead." Being "not only ignorant in Law, but unwilling to involve himself in any dispute or difficulty," Housland turned the horse over to Robert Hyde, the administrator of Mumford's estate, even though he still "claimed her as his property." The petitioner notes that Hyde proceeded to sell the mare "at public Sale to the highest bidder for the sum of £18." Housland now seeks reimbursement, praying "that the said Hyde be decreed to pay to your Orator the aforesaid sum of £18."
Result: Granted.
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Repository: Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia
