Ebenezer F. Gardner seeks an injunction to prevent the sale of Betsy, "his only negroe," who has been seized to pay the debts of his father-in-law, Thomas Crews. Gardner argues that the "gift of a maid to his Daughter" was an "act of bounty" from Crews to his daughter, Virginia. He explains that Virginia is very attached to Betsy and relies on her to perform "the important duties of the chamber and attentions to her person." Gardner laments that if Betsy were sold it would "leave a blank in your Orators family not easily to be filled." Samuel and Sally Davies have won a judgment against Crews, and threaten "to procure and sell" Betsy. Gardner appeals to the court to enjoin the sale, as he "is not in a pecuniary situation" to pursue damages in a law suit with Davies; in fact, he declares, he "can not consent that his wife should perform the menial duties of his House during the time he would be driven to regain his property by an action of detinue."
Result: Injunction granted; dissolved.
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Repository: Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia
