Hyams v. Smith

The judgment of the court was pronounced by

Rost, J.

This suit was commenced by attachment. The plaintiff who keeps a slave-yard in New Orleans, claims the amount of a bill for boarding, clothing and medical attendance furnished certain slaves, and also a privilege upon said slaves for the amount due her.

The defendant admits that she is the owner of the slaves, but denies the plaintiff’s claim and her liability to pay it, if it exists. She avers, that if the plaintiff has had possession of the slaves, she is bound for the value of their services, and prays that their hire be compensated with…