Hart v. Burton

This is an action of covenant brought by Charles Hart, against Charles F. Burton, on the following writing: “Borrowed from Charles Hart Senr. $275, for which I have placed in his hands as security, a negro girl: should I not pay said sum of money by the 20th inst. the said girl is to lie the absolute property of said Hart, and I bind myself to give a bill of sale when demanded.

(Signed) C. F. BURTON.” “Feb. 9th, 1827.”

The declaration averred that the slave had died in April, 1827, without the plaintiff’s fault, and charged, as a breach of the covenant, the non-payment of the $275 on the 20th…