PAR #: 11684506
Location: Stafford County, VA • Year: 1845

Abstract: On 20 June 1845, Jane Hailstock, a free woman of color, was found guilty of arson. The petitioners note that one of the jurors, prior to his selection, expressed his belief that she was guilty but when examined for selection said he had formed no opinion. Discovering this, the judge forwarded the information to the General Court, which ruled that the grounds for granting a new trial were insufficient. Residents believe that execution is too harsh a penalty. They considered approaching the executive for clemency, but the ruling of the General Court created doubts as to whether this avenue could be pursued. Residents now ask the General Assembly to commute the sentence to confinement in the penitentiary.