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Trial of Archer (slave of Arthur G. Reese)

October 18, 1831 – Discharged

 

At a court continued and held for the County of Southampton on the 18th day of October 1831

 

Prest.—James Trezvant, James W. Parker, Joseph T. Claud, Alexander P. Peete and Jacob Barnes Gent.

 

Archer a negro man slave the property of Arthur G. Reese of this county who stands charged with having on the 22nd day of August 1831 feloniously consulted advised and conspired with divers slaves to rebel & make insurrection & plot to murder sundry white persons of this cm. was this day set to the bar by the sheriff of the county into whose custody he was heretofore committed (The court summoned for his trial having failed to meet) and M.B. Brodnax attorney prosecuting for the Comml. filed his Information against the prisoner, and the prisoner being arraigned of the premises pleaded not guilty to the Information, and James S. French was assigned counsel for the prisoner and thereupon divers witnesses were sworn and examined touching the premises. The court after hearing the testimony and all the circumstances of the case are of opinion that the prisoner is not guilty of the felony whereof he stands charged & thereupon proclamation being made as the manner is & nothing further appearing or being alleged against the prisoner it is ordered that he be forthwith discharged from further prosecution in this behalf.

 

Ordered that Hardy Harris Guardian to Arthur G. Reese pay to James S. French the sum of Ten dollars for defending a negro man Archer the property of said Reese charged with Insurrection.

 

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