Trial of Preston (slave of Hannah Williamson)

September 22, 1831 – Discharged

Preston was referred to the Southampton County Court after he appeared before a Court of Oyer and Terminer in Sussex County, where his master Hannah Williamson resided.

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At a Court of Oyer and Terminer summoned and held for Southampton County the 21st day of September 1831 for the trial of Jim and Isaac negro men slaves the property of Sam’l Champion and Preston a negro slave the property of Hannah Williamson charged with conspiracy to rebel and make insurrection.

Present—James Parker, Robert Goodwin, Jacob Barnes, James Trezevnt and Alexander Myrick. Gent.

The Court being thus constituted the prisoners above named were set to the bar in custody of the Jailor of this County—Whereupon for reasons appearing to the Court the trial of the said prisoners is adjourned till tomorrow and the prisoners are remanded to Jail, and this Court is adjourned till tomorrow morning nine o’clock.

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At a Court of Oyer and Terminer continued by adjournment and held for the County of Southampton on the 22d day of September 1831 for the trial of Jim and Isaac negro men slaves the property of Samuel Champion and Preston a negro man slave the property of Hannah Williamson charged with conspiring to rebel and making insurrection.

Present—James W. Parker, Jacob Barnes, James Trezevant, Ores A. Browne and Alexander Myrick. Gent.

The Court being thus constituted Meriwether B. Broadnax Attorney prosecuting for the Commonwealth filed an Information against the said Jim, Isaac & Preston . . .

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Preston a negro man slave the property of Hannah Williamson was then set to the bar in custody of the Jailor of this County and being arraigned of the premises pleaded not guilty to the information. The Court after hearing the testimony and the prisoner in his defense by James S. French his Counsel are of opinion that the prisoner is not guilty as in pleading he has alleged and proclamation being made as the manner is and nothing further appearing or being alleged against the prisoner it is ordered that he be forthwith discharged from custody.