Littleton Tazewell writes that a "Negroe Fellow," his property, was charged with a felony and committed to jail. The slave was taken to trial on 13 December 1796, found guilty, and sentenced to be "burned in the hand" for his crime. At the time of the trial, it was determined by a physician that his legs were so badly frost-bitten that only a double amputation could save his life. Tazewell, claiming that he was "anxious to do everything in his power to save the fellows life," authorized the physician to perform the amputation. Contending that his slave, whose name we find out from the physician's testimony is James, alias Blue Jim, was injured while under the authority of the law, Tazewell seeks reimbursement for his "expense and very great trouble."
Result: Claims committee, reasonable, reported.
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Repository: Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia
