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First hearing in the landmark James Somersett slave case...
First hearing in the landmark James Somersett slave case...
Item # 593401
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February 08, 1772
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Feb. 8, 1772
* Somersett's case
* Slaves - slavery
This is a significant issue concerning the landmark James Somersett slave case, the slave purchased in Virginia then taken to England, escaped & eventually recaptured. This case ultimately determined that slavery was unsupported in England and was the landmark event in the outlawing of slavery in England (see the hyperlink for much more on the Somersett case).
As noted in Wikipedia there were 3 hearings on the case from February to May, 1772. This issue reports on the first of those hearings and notes in part: "Yesterday...the case of James Summerset, a Negro, who being apprehended by his master, Capt. Stewart, & sent on board a ship...with a view of trying the point how far a Negro, or other Black, is a slave in England & consequently entirely at his master's disposal. Mr. Serjeant Davy spoke first on the part of the Negro & continued his argument for about two hours and a half...Mr. Serjeant Glynn next spoke...argued very strongly...shewing that slavery was merely local & that all places except the place where the slave comes from, are an asylum for such slave..." with more (see).
Complete in 8 pages, 8 1/2 by 11 1/4 inches, very nice condition.
Category: The 1600's and 1700's
No Longer Available
