Trial of Ben, a Negro man slave belonging to William Hoskins for felony, 1764

(The first court case occurred in August of 1764, found on page 430.)

At a Court of Oyer and Terminer, held at the Courthouse of Halifax on
Friday, August 12, 1764 for the trial of BEN, a Negro man slave belonging to
William HOSKINS, Gent. for felony. Present, Robert WOODING, Hugh INNES, 
Nathaniel TERRY, Theophilus LACY and John DONELSON, Gents, Justices.

A dedimus potestatem directed to Thomas DILLARD, Gent. and others were
read, whereupon Nathaniel TERRY and Hugh INNES administered the usual oaths to
Robert WOODING, who then administered the usual oaths to said Nat'l TERRY,
Hugh INNES, Theophillis LACY and John DONALDSON.  The Court thus being
constituted, the aforesaid BEN was led to the bar in custody of Thomas
COBBS, Gent, Sheriff of Halifax to whose custody he was committed by Mr.
Justice GREEN, and it being demanded of said BEN if he is guilty of said
charge, and he answered not guilty.  Whereupon divers witnesses on behalf of the
King as well as behalf of BEN, who was fully heard in his own defense, testified
on consideration whereof, the Court is of the opinion that he is not guilty of
the burglary, but he is guilty of the felony in stealing a handkerchief and 9
buttons, which the Court values at 2 shillings, and it being demanded of said
BEN if he knows of anything to say for himself, why the Court should not award a
judgement of death aganist him, prayed the benefit of Clergy, and thereupon it
is ordered that said BEN be burned in the hand by said Sheriff here in Court,
and that he have both ears nailed to the pillory and cut off in part, and
afterwards to receive 39 lashes on his bare back, well laid on, at the Public
Whipping Post, and it is said to the Sheriff that he do the execution thereof
immediately.

These proceedings were signed by Robert Wooding, Gent.

Submitted by Kathy Welder <conch@softcom.net>

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