Richmond semi-weekly times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 184?-1853, 1851-07-29
CITY AFFAER g.

MYSTERIOUS PRocEEDINGs-ARREsr OF SUPPOSED
K1DNAPPER AND HIS vIcTM.-At an early hour yester
day morning, Messrs. Pearce, johnson and bioo, o.
the police, received ntimaou that their presence
would be agreeable the premises OF Marina Stephen
SON. Carv street. nearly opposite the Columbian Hotel
The officers repaired to the place above named, and
LEARNED that white man had that morning called there
fr the purpose of procuring frock for negro girl
,roareny about 10 years of age that after procuring
the dress he had brought the girl over from the MOTEL
when it appeared that she had been hitherto clad IN
boys apparel and that after changing her ciotnes ne
osensble owner had asked PERMISSION LOT 'ne sr'
10 remain in the kitchen till he could sell her Que OF
the traders-that he had gone to w all street anu invited
trader up to look at her, and that tne uaoer inc os
tepsbe owner and the girl were at mat Time IN the XIII
chen. The officers instantly entered Inc Kilchen ana
found the parties. The reputed and the girl
were both taken into custody and conducted to the
MAYORS Court, where investigation took place.
The man claim ng the slave his property, gave his
nams We c,ss>W ilams, and stated that he had pur-
chased the girl Of white in Granville county N
c. He faed to produce bill of sale for the girl, how
ever and when asked by the officer why he had not
obtained that instrument remarked, that he though IL
entirely unnecessary, he expected to see Inc
man from whom he bought her again, &c. Inc glrp
on the other hand says she belongs to Marx hoYstef
of Young's Cross Roads, Granville county, N. C.-tha'
she was purchased by Royser in this city last FALL Of
Auslie Davis, and that Williams took her from
Spring near Registers residence. i.
The Trader upon whom Williams called, stated thai
the man came to the City Hotel and asked him ne
would buy the gir-that he informed him he would
look at her. and with that view accompanied him TO
the house on Gary street, and was examining the gin
when the officers came 10 and arrested the parties La
reply TO question from the Mayor as to the prooaoie
vaue of the slave the Trader stated that he thought she
would bring $4l0 or thereabouts, at pubic SAFE. AN
other trader was then called who stated that ne Knew
Mark Royster of n c., but did not recollect having
seen the prisoner Williams, before. lie stated aso'
that he was aware of the fact that Royser had pur-
chased slaves in this city last Fall, and knew he had
included in that purchase several girls about the size Of
the one now before the Court but could not say that
she belonged to that gentleman. Slaves were scarce
in the section in which Mr. Royster resided and COM
mauded better prices than N did in this city
Williams admitted that he Mad dressed the girl IN
bows clothing, and gave reason Tor doing so
that her clothing was very Indifferent when he obtained
her. and he could not obtain letters in the neighbour.
hood but shortly after reaching the city ne had pro
cured the dress she now wore.
The Mayor deeming the circumstances attending
the whole affair worthy OF farther investigation, COM
mtted The reputed owner as we'll as the slave TO Jail
till the 9th August, when the parties will be again
brought before him for examination. In the meantime
proper steps will be taken to apprse Mr. Royster OF tina
position of the parties here.