Feb 21, 2008 - Sale 2137

Sale 2137 - Lot 14

Price Realized: $ 510
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 800 - $ 1,200
A HORRIBLE CASE OF INFANTICIDE BY A CHILD (SLAVERY AND ABOLITION--LAW.) Court documents regarding the case of a 12 year old Alabama slave boy charged with killing a 4 year old playmate. Folio, six pages on typical blue-tinted legal paper, written on rectos only and tied at the top * two partly printed original summonses filled out by hand; one for the accused and one for the victim's grandmother. Chips to the bottom of the first page of the latter document, obscuring a few words, but altogether understandable in context; all three pieces overall in very good condition. Mobile, June 10, 1857

Additional Details

A horrific case in which Godfrey, a 12 year old slave was accused of the brutal murder of his 4 year and 11 month old playmate. According to his own testimony, "Godfrey said he had killed Lawrence because he had broken his kite, and if they did not hang him, he would do it again." (!) The court found that since Godfrey was over the age of seven, he could be held accountable for his acts. He was found guilty as charged and sentenced to be hanged.