Petition #20883302

Abstract

Francis Robert Avart prays to have a slave purchase rescinded and his money returned, and he asks for relief in the form of damages for expenses incurred since the sale. Avart contends that Jeremiah Withers sold him a slave named Nero for $600, expressly warranting him against “vices and maladies provided against by law.” Since the purchase, Avart has discovered that Nero is “addicted to theft and is in the habit of running away.” Avart argues that Withers “well knew the vice of said slave” since the prior owner, Francis Nephler, “disclosed to him the said vice of running away & expressly refused to warrant against it.” Since the purchase, Nero has run away several times and "is now in the Jail of St. Francisville.” In addition, during his last absence, Nero “committed a theft for which he was tried & sentenced to wear a chain one or two years.” Avart wishes to return Nero to Withers and recover the purchase price and $224.50 in damages for jail fees, steamboat charges, and loss of time. He prays that an attachment may be issued “commanding the seizure of any property, credit, or rights belonging to said Withers in whatever hands they may be found” and that Withers be decreed to take back the slave.

Result: Granted.

6 people are documented within petition 20883302

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Citation information

Repository: East Baton Rouge Parish, Clerk of Court Archives, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Subjects