Mary Lawry, the mother of four children by her husband Newsome Lawry, a convict in the penitentiary near Richmond, seeks a divorce. In 1839, she informs the legislature, her husband began an "illicit intercourse" with a slave named Cynthia, the property of the estate of James Huffman and in the possession of the estate executor, Robert Huffman. Eventually Lawry stole a horse and fled with Cynthia to Wheeling, on their way, the petitioner supposes, to a free state. Cynthia was captured by Robert Huffman and the horse, though sold, was eventually recovered. Lawry returned to Richmond after Cynthia's capture and was arrested, convicted, and sent to prison.
Result: Rejected.
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Repository: Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia
