Trial of Fed (slave of Ann Key)

September 13, 1831 – Discharged

At a Called Court of Oyer and Terminer held for Sussex County at the Courthouse on Friday the 2nd day of September 1831 for the trial of Solomon a negro man Slave the property of Nancy Sorrley of the County, Preston and Nicholas negro men slaves the property of Hannah Williamson of the County, Jim and Isaac negro men slaves the property of Samuel Champion of this County, Fed and Shadrack negro men slaves the property of Ann Key of this County, Boson and Frank negro men slaves the property of William Peters of this County, Booker a negro man slave the property of Samuel A. Raines of the County and Squire a negro man slave the property of George Goodwyn of this County charged with having uttered, used and spoken seditious words and threats to conspire and rebel and to assist and aid the blacks to murder the whites of this Commonwealth.

Present William Parham, William Thornton, Henry L. Harrison, Robert Eldridge, & Robert Key, Gent. Justis.

For reasons appearing to this Court the trials of the aforesaid prisoners are adjourned to Monday the twelfth day of the present month.

William Parham, J.P.

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[September 13]

Fed, a negro man slave the property of Ann Key of the County was led to the bar in custody of the Jailer of the County and having James S. French Esquire assigned as Counsel to defend him in his behalf pleaded not guilty to the charge and for his trial putteth himself upon God and the Court. Whereupon sundry witnesses were sworn, charged and examined on behalf of the Commonwealth and on the part of the prisoner.

The Court after hearing the evidence and maturely considering the same are of opinion that the prisoner is not guilty of the offence which he stands charged and direct that he be discharged.