Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1855-04-05
The Rosetta Case

W Nus SSSN "'i NAN'.ssnent ioT sever
al days past 10 consequence of the Rosetta
Arms'esd case. Tb. sabieot of this trial is a
dark mullato gi,i.ii of about l6 years of age who
originally belonged to John Tyler, ex.Presi.
deu'ot the United States. Mr. Tyler gave
her to his daughter, the wife Of the Rev. DR..
Dsrn!son, an Episcopal clergyman, living in
Louisville, Ky. A short time since, Mrs. Den
nison died in Louisville, leaving young babe;
and Mr.. Dennison requesteda relative Of the
family, DR.. Miller, then on visit to Kentucky,
and Who was about to return to Virginia, to
take charge of the girl Rosetta, whom he in.
tended as nurse for his little girl. The DR..
accordingly started for Wheeling with the girl
10 charge, intending to go by the river, but
the stage Of the water prevented him, and be
of necessity took the railroad, and arrived at
Columbus on Saturday night, the 10th Of
March, and as the cars did not run on Sunday
he was compelled to lay over. The news soon
spread through the city that Slave was in
their midst, and the Rev. VIM. B. Ferguson,
colorOd Baptist Minister, made complaint be-
fore the Judge Of Probate, and the Sheriff
was dispatched, at t2 clock on that night, to
take charge Of the girl. Mr.. Galloway, Mr..
Darlington and Mr.. Tayler we're employed as
counsel for the girl, aud Mr. Heath Ware, in
behalf Of the owner.
The girl declaring hat she desired to remain
IN freedom in Ohio, and The legal question as
to her rights being conceded, and being mi.
pOr, she was permitted to choose a guardian in
the person of G.. L. Van slykc, Of that city,
who gave bonds and took charge Of her.
On Wednesday following, the nth, Rev.
DsapiSon, the owner Of the girl, called on Mr..
Van Slyke aud had an interview witk her
Mr. DenniSon told her that he had come for
tie purpose Of taking ber home with him II she
wished to return but as she was in free
State, shO had the liberty of goiTg or remain
ing at her option. The grl, after deliberating
abolt minute, ssid she believed she should
prefer remaining in free State, rather than to
return to Slavery. Mr.. DeDuison badea her
good bye-shook hands with her and parted,
evidently much grieved at the loss Of favor
te servant. The girl was then put in the en-
ploy Of Dr.. Coulter, of that City, where she
remained until she was SO summariy hurried
to Cincinnati.
On Thursday the s2nd, DenDison made oath
beiors John L. Pendery an u s. Commission
aer. as follows.
The U. s. America. Southern Dist Before
OF Ohio. city Of Cincinnati, 81 NE, John
L. Psndery. q Commissioner Of the United
States Of America, for said District duly ap'
pointed. personally came Henry NJ. Dennison,
OF che State Of Kentucky, county Of Jefferson.
and being 6rst duly sworn. deposeth and saws
that on or about the 9th day Of March, A. D.
1856, one negro girl called Rosetta" aged
about IS years, OF dark muatto color and a.
bout feet high. did escape from him the said
ahdant, to whom she owes service and labor
in the State OF Kentucky, to the State of Ohio,
where she is now supposed to be at this time.
(eignsd) HENRY NJ. DENNIsoN.
Upon this affidavit. Pendery issued his
warrant for the arrest Of the girl, On the uOxt
evening two gentlemen called at the residence
Of DR.. Coulter, in colamSus, and demanded
her as fugitive slave. While the DR.. went
70 nea, ueighbOr 70 give alarm. the two men
sieIeG Rosetta. one OE each side, ind bore her
70 tho carriage wbich was in waiting. She
had on aeilhes bonnet. shawl, cY other protec-
tion fOr out door exposure. Thus was she
hurriedIy placed ID . closed carriage driv-
en to tbe depot and tran,terei 10 the cars a.
bout ready lo start TO Ciachasti; seSsTal gen.
temen in Cincinnati were ielegTaphed 10, IN
forming lbem of The transaction, asking the'c
70 be prepared g meet the party on their arri-
val On The Arrival Of The officers there, Mr.,
Ball, law partner Of Mr. Chase. who was alb
sent at IIilsborough, interfered, and upon bis
suggestion Rosetta was taken to the Woodra0