Clayton’s Notebook, 57
Court of Common Pleas of Delaware, Sussex County.
April, 1818.
Indictment for an assault and battery with an intent to kidnap a free Negro. To establish the freedom of the Negro, the Attorney General offered in evidence a book from the Recorder’s office, containing a copy of a manumission by one Vinson of the Negro’s mother.
The counsel for the prisoner objected that it ought not to be read to the jury until it should be proved that Vinson was the master.
PER CURIAM.
The manumission is prima facie evidence of ownership in Vinson, so if Vinson was not master of the slave, it lies upon the prisoner to show it.
Page 548