William Breckenridge, a free man of color, represents that he was set free by the last will and testament of his former master, William Harris, "in consideration that your orator was advanced in years and had been a faithful servant." He further states that some time ago he allowed John Diggs the use of his horse to satisfy a seven-dollar-debt; when he tried to reclaim his horse, Breckenridge found that the horse had been swapped and was no longer in Diggs's possession. As compensation, Diggs offered Breckenridge first an old horse that "proved to be wholly worthless" and then a mare that looked "worked down and diseased." Breckenridge refused both offers. Finally, a "boy belonging to the said John Diggs father" brought him another mare; however, the next morning "the same boy came and took her away saying his master sent him for her." Breckenridge charges that Diggs intended to "cheat and defraud" him of his horse, which "was worth at least fifty dollars." He therefore prays that John Diggs be compelled to answer the allegations and "to do every thing that may seem just and equitable."
Result: Dismissed.
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Repository: Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia
