Mathews v. Boland

The plaintiff sues for his freedom, and bases his pretensions upon a receipt of his master, in the following words: “ Received, at sundry times, of Prince Mathews, my slave man, six hundred and fifty dollars, in full for his purchase. Jan’y 19th, 1842. M. Boland.” He further alleges, that Boland, his former master, intending to defraud and deceive him, and combining with one Smith, pretends to have sold him to said Smith, who claims, under, such pretended sale, to hold him as a slave. Both Boland and Smith were made parties.

Judgment was rendered, declaring the plaintiff absolutely free, and…