Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History & Culture Enduring Connections: Exploring Delmarva's Black History

Record Detail

Record #45 from Abstracts of Petitions to Southern County Courts, 1775-1867

Part of Series B
Microfilm Reel in Collection Series 11
Microfilm Frame on Reel 903
Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) 20986405
County Talbot
State Maryland
Year Legislative Petition Filed 1864
Abstract of Petition Petitioner Nathan Hopkins, "negro slave of one Sophia Shehan," state that he has been arrested "upon the charge of persuading a negro boy slave of said M. McKnell to run away." After an ex parte examination, Hopkins was lodged in the county jail, where he is now unable to make bail. Hopkins explains that he "has been in the employ of the Mistress of said boy for several years acting as foreman and a general overseer," a job he also performed for McKetts's husband "several years anterior to his death." He claims that he can prove his "entire innocence of the charge against him" and asserts that McKnett's slave "left his home of his own free will joining in with the general belief and Hopkins seeks a speedy trial before a justice of the peace.

If you are citing this record, please use the following format:

[Author (if known)], Abstracts of Petitions to Southern County Courts, 1775-1867, [Date (if known)], Enduring Connections: Exploring Delmarva’s Black History, Nabb Research Center, Salisbury University.

Pinned records can be viewed at any time by clicking the More menu in the top right corner of the page, then selecting My Pinned Records.