Forsyth v. Nash

The plaintiffs in this case claim the defendant, a negro man, as their slave. It therefore behooves them to show slavery in him and property in them.*

The evidence adduced for this purpose is: 1, a bill of sale by which the defendant was sold to them “to have and to hold the said negro man, and to dispose of him, as they shall think proper.” This instrument, bearing date the 5th of September, 1803, was executed at Detroit, in the territory of Michigan, was there recorded, and is duly authenticated.

2. The deposition of David Delaunay, who swears he knows a Mr. Forsyth, at St. Louis, whose…