The reader will excuse us for passing over many things of minor
importance which take place during the progress of arrangements
between Marston and the attorney, Mr. Dyson--commonly called Thomas
Dyson, Esq., wonderfully clever in the practice of slave law--and
proceeding to where we find the notice formally served. The document
forbids the sale of certain persons, physically and mentally
described, according to the nicest rules of law and tenour of trade;
and is, with the dignity of legal proceedings, served on the
honourable sheriff. We give a portion of it, for those who are not
informed on such curious matters: it runs thus:--"'The girl
Clotilda-aged 27 years; her child Annette-aged 7 years, and a
remarkable boy, Nicholas, 6 years old, all negroes, levied upon at
the suit of--, to satisfy a fi fa issued from the--, and set forth
to be the property of Hugh Marston of--, &c. &c.;'" as set forth in
the writ of attachment. Thus runs the curious law, based on
privilege, not principle.
The document served on the sheriff, Marston resolved to remain a few
days in the city and watch its effect. The sheriff, who is seldom
supposed to evince sympathy in his duties, conforms with the
ordinary routine of law in nigger cases; and, in his turn, gives
notice to the plaintiff, who is required to enter security for the
purpose of testing the point of freedom. Freedom here is a slender
commodity; it can be sworn away for a small compensation. Mr.
Anthony Romescos has peculiar talent that way, and his services are
always in the market.
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