The full content of this document is only available to subscribing institutions. More information can be found via www.amdigital.co.uk
If you believe you should have access to this document, click here to Login.
| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC00464 |
| From Archive Folder | Documents Relating to 1785 |
| Title | Document appointing justices of the peace for slave trials in Augusta County, Virginia |
| Date | 28 April 1785 |
| Author | Henry, Patrick (1736-1799) |
| Document Type | Legal document |
| Content Description | Partially printed document signed by Henry as Governor of Virginia. Appoints fourteen men as justice of the peace in Augusta County, Virginia. They are given the duty of "Oyer and Terminer for the trial of Slaves in the said County ... for the purpose of trying, condemning and executing, or otherwise punishing or acquitting, any slave committing a capital crime within the said County." Wax seal at bottom or recto, next to Henry's signature. |
| Subjects | African American History Slavery Government and Civics Law Criminals and Outlaws Death Penalty |
| People | Henry, Patrick (1736-1799) |
| Place written | Richmond, Virginia |
| Theme | Law; Slavery & Abolition; African Americans; Government & Politics |
| Sub-collection | The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859 |
| Additional Information | Oyer and terminer was the name of a court authorized to hear and determine all treasons, felonies and misdemeanors; and, generally, invested with other power in relation to the punishment of offenders (translated as "to hear and determine") (American Heritage Dictionary). |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859 |