Adams v. Roberts
Supreme Court of the United States
This case was brought up by writ of error, from the United States Circuit Court of thé District of Columbia for the county of Alexandria. Julia Roberts, a coloured woman, sued in the Circuit Court for her freedom under the following circumstances.
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This case was brought up by writ of error, from the United States Circuit Court of thé District of Columbia for the county of Alexandria. Julia Roberts, a coloured woman, sued in the Circuit Court for her freedom under the following circumstances. Anterior to the cession to the United States of that portion of Virginia which is now .comprehended within the District of Columbia, Simon Summers resided in it, and was the owner of a female slave named Sarah, who, it was admitted, was the mother of Julia, the petitioner in the court below. On the 30th of-December, 1801, Summery executed a deed of…
1Opinion of the CourtJustice Wayne
We think the court below did no err in refusing to give the instructions asked for by the defendants in éither the first or second bill of exceptions.
By the statute of Virginia two modes are pointed out in which manumission by deed can be accomplished.
1. The instrument in writing under the hand and seal of the party must be attested and proved in the County or Corporation Court by two witnesses; or
2. It must be acknowledged by the party in the court of the county where he or she resides.
Either of these modes is effectual. It is stated in the bill of exceptions, and is not contradicted, that…
2Cited by6 opinions
- Missouri, K. & T. Ry. Co. v. WilhoitCourt of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit · 1908
- Dodge v. BriggsU.S. Circuit Court for the Southern District of Georgia · 1886
- Ranney v. BarlowSupreme Court of the United States · 1884
- Gilmer v. Buena Vista Home Video, Inc.District Court, W.D. Arkansas · 1996
- May v. United StatesCourt of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit · 1907
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