THE NORTH-CAROLINA JOURNAL
29 MAY 1793

NEW-HAVEN, MAY 8

On Wednesday the 28th ult. came on before the Circuit Court of the United States fitting in this place, two actions in favour of Peter Elkay, a free negro, of Stockbridge, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, against Joel Moss and John Ives, 3d of Willingford, for taking away and holding in servitude two of his chlldren who were free. Upon an elaborate investigation and discussion of these causes, the jury were convinced that the children were, in truth, free; and the conduct of the defendants was very reprehensible, and gave a verdict against them, with two hundred and fifty dollars damages in each case. These verdicts apppeared satisfactory to the Court and to all the friends of humanity. It is hoped that such an exemplary punishment of kidnapping negroes, will deter others from this crime, and happily tend to abolish.