St. Louis Circuit Court Historical Records Project

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Case Title

Jeffrie v. Joseph Robidoux

Series

Freedom Suits

Plaintiff

Jeffrie

Defendant

Robidoux, Joseph

Date Filed

1822

Next Friend

Camp, Rachel

Filing Date

1822

Plaintiff’s Attorney

Gamble, Hamilton Rowan

Wash, Robert

Bass, John M.

Pettis, Spencer

Geyer, Henry S.

Bird, Gustavus A.

Defendant’s Attorney

Strother, George French

Cozens, Horatio

Court Name

St. Louis Circuit Court

Supreme Court of Missouri

Court Term

1822-10

Judge

Carr, William C.

McGirk, Mathias

Thompkins, George

Wash, Robert

Clerk

Gamble, Archibald

Brown, Joseph C.

Bates, Henry P.

Ruland, John

Sheriff

Walker, John K.

Simonds, John

Simpson, R.

Simpson, Robert

Brotherton, Marshall

Cusser, D.E.

Caulk, H.

Flowers, Isaac

Brotherton, J.

Brotherton, James

Sworn Declarant

Amelia, Alexis C.

Garnier, Joseph V.

Laundeir, Laurant

Langudoe, Olb

Langudoe, Louis

Deroin, John B.

Deroin, Francis

Deroin, Jean

Jassy, J.B.

Provost

Camp, Rachel

Wash, Robert

Solomon, David

Deroin, Arnold

Peau, Brad

Cause of Action

Assault

Battery

False Imprisonment

Case Notes

Plaintiff by next friend Rachael Camp, plaintiff's grandmother; document in French; plaintiff also written as Jeffrey in case file.

Case Number

39

Identifier

ccr1822.01186.110

Source

Missouri State Archives - St. Louis

Rights

Public Domain

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Transcription

**Jeffrie vs. Joseph Robdoun**

---

**Page 1** (1186_001.jpg)
Le quatorze Septembre mil huit[?]
Sik a it Baptisté Prancois [illegible]
tarze de Mai dermier, fils de Maries-Louis
Eselave de Francois Derain. Parrein Godefroi
mulatre libre, mareine, Celeste mutatresse
libre qui ne Saventh Signer.
Copie Conforme a
l'original

*D. Olivier [illegible]
Miss R. [illegible]
[illegible]*

---

**Page 2** (1186_002.jpg)
[illegible]
[illegible] of [illegible]
[illegible] R. [illegible] of the
fathers of the [illegible] Church
[illegible]

---

**Page 3** (1186_003.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Plaintiff's Petition*

Jeffrie by his Next friend
Rachael Camp
vs
Joseph Robidous
Robert Wash presents the petition
of Jeffrie praying that he may be permitted to institute a suit
against Joseph Robideaux for establishing his right to freedom
and that he may be permitted to sue as a poor person
thereupon the court permit the said Jeffrie to sue as afore=
said and direct on action of assault and Battery and false
imprisonments to be brought in the name of the said Jeffrie
by his next friend Rachael Camp against the said Joseph
Robideaux and it is further ordered by the court that the
said defendant permit the said defendant permit the said
Jeffrie to have a reasonable liberty of attending his counsel and
the court when occasion may require it and that the said
petition shall not be taken or removed out of the juris
diction of this court or be subject to any severiety of treatment
an account of his application for freedom
A True Copy of the Rule

*A Gamble Clerk Joseph Robidoux bill take notice of the above order R Wash*

---

**Page 4** (1186_004.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

Served this notice on Joseph Robidoux by
reading it to him on the 20th June 1822
in town of St Louis

*John K. Walker
D. Shff [illegible] fees $ 50/100*
> *Legal Function: Caption*

Jeffrie by his next
friend R Camp
vs
Joseph Robidoux

---

**Page 5** (1186_005.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

Jeffrey vs. Robideaux
137
195
265
297
342
> *Legal Function: Caption*

No. 39 Jeffrie by his next Oct 1822
Rachael Camp
vs.
Joseph Robidoux
A B
F.. Imp
This is an action of Assault
& Battery & false imprisionment[?]
to obtain the freedom
of the Pltff. - Let a Summary
[illegible]
A Gamble
[illegible]

*[illegible] filedAugust, 5th 1822 A. Gamble
Clerk*
> *Legal Function: Certification of Execution*

Executed this
writ by reading
& the [illegible]
to the Defendant
Joseph Robidoux
on the 5th Augt
1829, in the Town
of St Louis .

*John K. Walker Shff
Shff \$1.00*

---

**Page 6** (1186_006.jpg)

---

**Page 7** (1186_007.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Plaintiff's Complaint*

State of Missouri
County of St Louis
Circuit Court
October Term 1822
Jeffrie a Mulatto Boy by his next friend
Rachael Camp & by Petter his attorney complains of Joseph Robidoux of a plea of
trespass. For that the said Joseph Robidoux on the eighth day of
October eighteen hundred & twenty six with force & arms made an
assault upon the said Jeffrie to wit at the county aforesaid and
then & there beat bruised and ill-treated him the [illegible] Jeffrie inconsent
that his life was thereby [illegible] then & there dispared of
And also for that the said Joseph Robidoux on the eighth day of
October eighteen hundred & twenty with force & arms &e made another
assault upon the said Jeffrie to [illegible] wit at the county aforesaid and
then & there beat and bruised & ill-treated him the said Jeffrie and
then & there imprisoned him the said Jeffrie and kept & detained
him in prison then without any [illegible]reasonable or probable cause
whatsoever for a long time to wit for the space two years then
next following, contrary to the laws & customs of this State aforesaid
and against the will of the said Jeffrie . And other wrongs to the
said Jeffrie the said Joseph then & there did to the great damage of
the said Jeffrie and against the peace and dignity of the State
wherefore the said Jeffrie [illegible] the is [illegible] [illegible] & hath [illegible]
damage to the amount of $ 1,000 and therefor he by his
next friend [illegible] aforesaid [illegible] sues &c.

*Peter Atty of
for Pltff*

---

**Page 8** (1186_008.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena for Joseph Robdoun*

The State of Missouri
County of St Louis Sct To the Shriff of said County Greetings
The command you to summon Joseph Robidoux
that he be and appear before the Judge of our Circuit
Court at the next Term thereof to be held at the Town
of St Louis within and for the County of St Louis on
the first Monday in October next then and there
to answer unto Jeffrie a mulatto boy by his next friend
Rachael Camp of a plea of trespass to the damage
of the said plaintiff of one thousand dollars -
and have you then there this writ

*Witness Archibald Gamble clerk
of our said county at office this
5th day of August 1822 Archebald Gamble Clk*

---

**Page 9** (1186_009.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Defendant's Answer*

Joseph Rodidoux[?] adms
Jeffrei[?] a mulatto boy
October Term 1822. And the said Robi
doux by his attornies comes and defends the wrong
and injury when &c. and says that at the time of the
committing of the said several supposed greivan[?]
ces he the said Jeffrie was the slave of him.
the said Robidoux and this he is ready to verify
wherefore he [illegible] judgment if the said
Jeffrie ought to have or maintain his aforesaid
action thereof against him &c.
filed page 195
Book 3

*[illegible] Cozny[?]
for deft..*
> *Legal Function: Plaintiff's Response*

And the said Plaintiff by his Attorney , for replication
of to the aforesaid plea of the said Defendant says
that he ought not to be bound or precluded from
having his aforesaid action thereof against the saud[?]
Defendant because he says that at the of the
committing the aforesaid assault & Battery & False
Imprisonment he was not the slave of him the
said Robidoux [illegible] And this she said Plaintiff prays may be inquired of by the country
e&.

*Petter
Atty for Plff*

---

**Page 10** (1186_010.jpg)
> *Legal Function: caption*

Joseph Robidoux adm.
& Plea
Jeffrie
Filed
Oct 29th 1822

*A.Gamble clerk page 195 book 3*

---

**Page 11** (1186_011.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Notice to Take Deposition*

Jeffrie
vs
Jo.. Robidoux
Assault & Battery & False imprison ment[?]
Mr..H Cozen In as the Attorney for
the above defendant you will take [illegible] that on Friday
the 18th. and at [illegible] she office of [illegible]. C Garrin[?] with
City of St Louis between the hours of 10 in the morning
and four in the afternoon of that day I shall [illegible] to
take the deposition, of certain [illegible] to be made in the
evidence or the trial of the aforesaid cause on the part of
the said Jeffrie when & where you may attend

*St Louis July 15th. 1823 Jp[?] Pettis
Atty for Plff*

---

**Page 12** (1186_012.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

Served this [illegible]
by giving a
copy himself
[illegible]. H.Cozing
for 15th July 1823
in S Louis

*Jno Watson
Shff Shff fee $ 50[illegible]*

---

**Page 13** (1186_013.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena for Alexis C. Amelia*

The State Of Missouri ,
County of St. Louis , Sct. To The Sheriff Of St Louis County-Greeting:
You are hereby commanded to Summon Alexis C Amelin
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay- he. be and appear in proper person before the Judge of
our Circuit Court , on the 11th, day of October at the city of St. Louis , then
and there to testify and the truth so say in a certain matter of controversy now pending in our said court,
wherein Jeffrie plaintiff,
and Franceis Robidoux defendant,
on the part of the plaintiff, and have you then there this writ.

*Wittness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit Court , at the
city of St. Louis , this 4th day of October
in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and twenty three Archibald Gamble Clerk, C. C.*

---

**Page 14** (1186_014.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certification of Execution*

Served on Alexis
C.Amelin on
the 7th Oct 1820
John R.Walker
Sheriff
by

*Thomas Caulk
Dep[?] Sheriff Sheriff fee $, 50*
> *Legal Function: Caption*

October Term 1823,
Jeffrie vs.
Francis Robidoux
[illegible] [illegible]
for
Alexeis C Amelin
for plff.

*11th October*

---

**Page 15** (1186_015.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena for Joseph V. Garnier*

The State Of Missouri ,
County of St. Louis , Sct. To The Sheriff Of St. Louis County - Greeting:
You are hereby commanded to Summon Joseph V.Garrin[?]
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay he be and appear in proper person before the Judge of
our Circuit Court , on the 31st day of October at the city of St. Louis , then
and there to testify and the truth so say in a certain matter of controversy now pending in our said court,
wherein Jeffries[?] is plaintiff,
and Francis Robedoux defendant,
on the part of the Defendant and have you then there this writ,

*Wittness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit Court , at the
city of St. Louis , this 16th day of October
in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and twenty three Archibald Gamble Clerk, C. C.*

---

**Page 16** (1186_016.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certification of Execution*

Executed this writ on Joseph V. Garrin[?] October 16th 1823

*Jn .Simonds Jr D.Shff Service $ 0.50*
> *Legal Function: Caption*

Jeffrie
vs
sf[?] a
Francis Robedoux
for

*Jos.V.Garrien[?] 21st Oct 1823 for Defendant*

---

**Page 17** (1186_017.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Plaintiff's Ammended Complaint*

St. Louis County
Circuit Court
February Term 1823
Jeffrie a Mulatto Boy by Rachel
Camp his next friend who sues as a poor
person by Pettis their Attorney complains
of Joseph Robidoux of a plea of Trespass
for Assault & Battery & false imprisonment
For that the said Defendant heretofore
to unto on the first day of October in
the year Eighteen Hundred & twenty at
St Louis to wit at the county aforesaid
the said with force & arms did then & there
assault Beat and ill treat the said Jeffrie
and did then & there seize & lay hold of the
said Jeffrie and then & there imprisoned the
said Jeffrie and then & there kept & detained
him the said Jeffrie [illegible] prison, against his ill & without any
reasonable or probable cause whatsoever
and still does detain & imprison the said
Jeffrie against his will & consent & other wrongs
to the said Jeffrie the said Defendant then & there did to the against the peace and dignity

---

**Page 18** (1186_018.jpg)
of the State of Missouri & against to the great
damage of him of him the said Jeffrie
of one thousand dollars and therefore
he sues &c.
And for that the said Defendant theretofore
to writ on the day and year aforesaid at
the county aforesaid with force & arms did then & there assault
beat wound bruise & ill treat the said Jeffrie
&[?] did then & there seize lay hold of & falsely imprison
him the said Jeffrie and then & there kept & detained
him the said Jeffrie in prison against his will & without any
probable cause or reasonable cause whatsoever
and still does at the county oforesaid detain
and imprison him the said Jeffrie , without
any provable or [illegible] able cause whatsoever
and against the will and consent of him
the said Jeffrie and other wrongs to the said
Jeffrie then & their did to the damage of
the said Jeffrie of one thousand dollars
& against the peace & dignity of the state
of Missouri & therefore he sues &c.

*Pettis Atty for Pltff.*

---

**Page 19** (1186_019.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Plaintiff's Ammended Complaint Part 1*

And also for that the said Defendant heretofore
to wit on the day and year last aforesaid
at the county aforesaid withforce & arms made
assault upon him the said Jeffrie and then & there
beat bruised wounded married and ill treated
him the said Jeffrie and then & there unlawfully
held detained and inprisoned him the said
Jeffrie against his will and with consent & without any legal cause whatsoever
& has ever since held detained and imprisoned
him the said Jeffrie & still does hold detain
and imprison him the said Jeffrie against his
will & consent & without any legal cause whatsoever
and other wrongs to the said Jeffrie the said Defen
dent [illegible] the day and year last aforesaid
at the county aforesaid the then & there did
to the against the peace and dignify of the
State of Missouri & to the damage of the said
Jeffrie of one thousand dollars & therefore
he brought suit &c.

*Pettis Atty for Pliff*

---

**Page 20** (1186_020.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

Jeffrie vs Robidoux
Action Assault
& Battery & false
imprisonment
Pettis for
Pltff

*filed Oct 31st 1823 Archibald Gamble
Clerk page 297 Book 3=*

---

**Page 21** (1186_021.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena for Laurant Laundeir, Olb Langudoe, and John B. Derouin*

The State Of Missouri ,
County of St. Louis , Sct. To The Sheriff Of St. Louis County - Greeting:
You are hereby commanded to Summon Circuit [illegible] [illegible] [illegible]
[illegible] [illegible]
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay they be and appear in proper person before the Judge of
our Circuit Court , on the 4th day of November at the city of St. Louis , then
and there to testify and the truth so say in a certain matter of controversy now pending in our said court,
wherein Jeffrie is plaintiff,
and Joseph Robidoux is defendant,
on the part of the plaintiff and have you then there this writ,

*Wittness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit Court , at the
city of St. Louis , this 31st day of Oct.
in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and twenty three Archibald Gamble Clerk, C. C.*

---

**Page 22** (1186_022.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

Oct Term 1823
Jeffrie
vs
Robidoux
for

*John [illegible] &
Lauriut[?] [illegible]
Oct [illegible] for Plff. Sept
4th November 1823*
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

Executed this writ on J. Duroine[?] & L. Langudoe
Nov
4th 1823

*Jn Simonds Jr D. Sff. Service $ 1.00*

---

**Page 23** (1186_023.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena for Alexis C. Amelia*

The State Of Missouri ,
County of St. Louis , Sct. To The Sheriff Of St. Louis County - Greeting:
You are hereby commanded to Summon Alexis C Amelin
that setting aside all manner of excse and delay he be and appear in proper person before the Judge of
our Circuit Court , on the fourth day of February at the city of St. Louis , then
and there to testify and the truth so say in a certain matter of controversy now pending in our said court,
wherein Jeffrie by his next friend is plaintiff,
and Joseph Robidoux is defendant,
on the part of the plaintiff and have you then there this writ,

*Wittness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit Court , at the
city of St. Louis , this 19th day of Dec.
in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and twenty three Archibald Gamble Clerk, C. C.*

---

**Page 24** (1186_024.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

Executed on the 22nd Janury 1824
in St Louis

*Jn Walker
Shff Shff fees $ .50 cts [illegible]*
> *Legal Function: Caption*

February Term 1824
Jeffrie
vs
Robidoux
for

*Alexis C Amelin February 4th
for plff*

---

**Page 25** (1186_025.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena for Joseph V. Garnier*

County of St. Louis , Sct.
The State Of Missouri , To The Sheriff Of St. Louis County-Greeting:
You are hereby commanded to Summon
Joseph V Garmir[?]
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay he be and appear in proper person before the Judge of
our Circuit Court , on the fourth day of February at the city of St. Louis , then
and there to testify and the truth so say in a certain matter of controversy now pending in our said court,
wherein Jeffrie is plaintiff,
and Joseph Robidoux defendant,
on the part of the defendant and have you then there this writ.

*Wittness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit Court , at the
city of St. Louis , this 19th day of Decm.
in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and twenty three Archibald Gamble Clerk, C. C.*

---

**Page 26** (1186_026.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certification of Execution*

Executed on
Joseph V . Garmin[?]
on the 26th Jany.
1824

*Jno . Walker
plff. fees 50 cts*
> *Legal Function: Caption*

February Term 1824
Jeffrie
vs
Robidoux

*for X JV Garmir[?] Feb. 4th for Deft*

---

**Page 27** (1186_027.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena for Laurant Laundeir, Olb Langudoe, and John B. Derouin*

County of St. Louis , Sct.
The State Of Missouri , To The Sheriff Of St. Louis County-Greeting:
You are hereby commanded to Summon
John Deroin X
Laurut[?] Lanodin[?] [illegible] Languedoe[?]
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay they be and appear in proper person before the Judge of
our Circuit Court , on the Fourth day of February next at the city of St. Louis , then
and there to testify and the truth so say in a certain matter of controversy now pending in our said court,
wherein Jeffrie by his next friend is plaintiff,
and Joseph Robidoux is defendant,
on the part of the plaintiff and have you then there this writ.

*Wittness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit Court , at the
city of St. Louis , this 19th day of Decr.
in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and twenty three Archibald Gamble Clerk, C. C.*

---

**Page 28** (1186_028.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

February Term 1824
Jeffrie
vs
Robidoux
for

*Jno. Deronin &[?] Lauriut[?] Lanander [illegible]
Languedoe[?] Feb. 6th for plff*
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

Executed on
John Derouin
on the februrary term
1824 - on Laurent
Lanaudeax[?] sitt Lang=
=ndox
Feby 4th 1824

*Jno Simmonds[?] Dp. shff Service \$1.00*

---

**Page 29** (1186_029.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena for Provost*

County of St. Louis , Sct.
The State Of Missouri , To The Sheriff Of St. Louis County-Greeting:
You are hereby commanded to Summon Provost
that setting aside all manner of excue and delay he be and appear in proper person before the Judge of
our Circuit Court , on the 4th day of February at the city of St. Louis ,
then and there to testify and the truth so say in a certain matter of controversy now pending in our said
court, wherein Jeffrie is plaintiff,
and Robidoux is defendant,
on the part of the plaintiff and have you then there this writ.

*Wittnes, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit Court , at the
city of St. Louis , this 4th day of February,
in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and twenty four A Gamble Clerk, C. C.*

---

**Page 30** (1186_030.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

Jeffrie
vs
Robidoux
for

*X Provost [illegible] for
[illegible] for
Plaintiff*
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

Executed this writ on Provost Feby. 6th 1826

*J. H. Walker Shff Service $ 0.50*

---

**Page 31** (1186_031.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena for Joseph V. Garnier*

County of St. Louis , Sct.
The State Of Missouri , To The Sheriff Of St. Louis County-Greeting:
You are hereby commanded to Summon Joseph V. Garnier
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay he be and appear in proper person before the Judge of
our Circuit Court , on the forthwith day of at the city of St. Louis ,
then and there to testify and the truth so say in a certain matter of controversy now pending in our said
court, wherein Jeffry is plaintiff,
and Menard[?] Robidoux is defendant,
on the part of the [illegible] and have you then there this writ.

*Wittness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our aid Circuit Court , at the
city of St. Louis , this Fourth day of February
in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and twenty four A Gamble Clerk C. C.*

---

**Page 32** (1186_032.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

Executed this writ on Joseph V . Garmier[?] Feby 4th 1824 in
St. Louis

*Jno Simonds for D. Shff Service \$0.50*
> *Legal Function: Cation*

Jeffrie
vs
Robidoux

*Jos. V. Garmin[?] 4th Feby*

---

**Page 33** (1186_033.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena for Joseph V. Garnier*

County of St. Louis , Sct.
The State Of Missouri , To The Sheriff Of St. Louis County-Greeting:
You are hereby commanded to Summon Joseph V Garmien[?]
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay he be and appear in proper peron before the Judge of
our Circuit Court , on the 9th day of June at the city of St. Louis ,
then and there to testify and the truth so say in a certain matter of controversy now pending in our said
court, wherein Jeffrie is plaintiff,
and Jos Robidoux is defendant,
on the part of the Deft and have you then there this writ.

*Wittness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit Court , at the
city of St. Louis , this 16th day of March
in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and twenty four A. Gamble Clerk, C. C.*

---

**Page 34** (1186_034.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

St. Louis Circuit Court
June Term 1824
Jeffrie
vs
Joseph Robidoux
for

*Joseph V Garmin[?] for Deft. June 9th*
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

Executed on
Jos V. Garmin[?]
on 30th April
1824 in St Louis

*Jno K . Walker
Shff fees $ .50 cts*

---

**Page 35** (1186_035.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena for Alexis C. Amelia, Laurant Laundeir, Olb Langudoe, and John B. Derouin*

County of St. Louis , Sct.
The State Of Misouri , To The Sheriff Of St. Louis County-Greeting:
You are hereby commanded to Summon Alexis C Amelin , Laurnt[?]
Lanaudeer dit Languedoe Jno Derouin
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay they be and appear in proper person before the Judge of
our Circuit Court , on the 9th day of June at the city of St. Louis ,
then and there to testify and the truth to say in a certain matter of controversy now pending in our said
court, wherein Jeffrie is plaintiff,
and Joseph Robidoux defendant,
on the part of the plaintiff and have you then there this writ.

*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit Court , at the
city of St. Louis , this 16th day of March
in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and twenty four A Gamble Clerk, C. C.*

---

**Page 36** (1186_036.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

Executed on
John Dernuin[?]
on the 4th June
1824 on L
Lanandin Dit
Langdeux[?]. on
the 5th June
1824 an [illegible]
[illegible] on the 7th June

*Jno . Walker
Shff fees -- $ 1,50*
> *Legal Function: Caption*

St. Louis Circuit Court
June Term 1824
Jeffrie
vs
Jos. Robidoux

*for Alexis Edwards
X Laurent Sanandier dit
Languedoe[?]
X Jno Derorien[?] for plaintiff June 9th*

---

**Page 37** (1186_037.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena for Samuel Solomon*

County of St. Louis , Sct.
The State Of Misouri , To The Sheriff Of St. Louis County-Greeting:
You are hereby commanded to Summon
Samuel D Lolowou[?]
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay he be and appear in proper person before the Judge of
our Circuit Court , on the nineth day of June at the city of St. Louis ,
then and there to testify and the truth to say in a certain matter of controversy now pending in our said
court, wherein Jeffrie is plaintiff,
and Joseph Robidoux is defendant,
on the part of the plaintiff and have you then there this writ.

*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit Court , at the
city of St. Louis , this 7th day of June
in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and twenty four Archibald Gamble Clerk, C. C.*

---

**Page 38** (1186_038.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

Executed this writ on Saml D. Solomon June 9th 1824

*Jno. Simonds Jr D. Shff Service \$0.50*
> *Legal Function: Caption*

June Term 1824
Jeffrie vs
Robidoux

*for
Samuel D Solomon June 9th 1824 for plff*

---

**Page 39** (1186_039.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena for J.B. Jassy*

County of St. Louis , Sct.
The State Of Missouri , To The Sheriff Of St Louis County - Greeting:
You are hereby commanded to Summon
J.B.Larpy[?]
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay they be and appear in proper person before the Judge of
our Circuit Court , on the ninth day of June at the city of St. Louis , then
and there to testify and the truth to say in a certain matter of controversy now pending in our said court,
wherein Jeffrie is plaintiff,
and Joseph Robidoux is defendant,
on the part of the defendant and have you then there this writ,

*Wittness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit Court , at the
city of St. Louis , this Eighth day of June.
in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and twenty four Archibald Gamble Clerk, C. C.*

---

**Page 40** (1186_040.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

Served this
writ on Jno B
Larpy[?] on the
8th June 1824
This city of St Louis

*Jno. K. Walker
Shff fees- $ .50 cts*
> *Legal Function: Caption*

June Term 1824
Jeffrie
vs
Robidoux

*for
J B Larpy[?] for Deft
June 9th*

---

**Page 41** (1186_041.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena for Laurant Laundeir*

The State Of Missouri ,
County Of St.Louis ,Sct. To the Sheriff of said county - Greeting:
We command you to attach L Lananidair[?] alais Languidoe
if he may be found within your bailiwick, and bring forth.
with before the judge of our circuit court, now sitting at the city of St .
Louis , within and for the county of St. Louis , then there to answer
unto the State of Missouri , touching a certain contempt by him com- com
mitted, in not attending as a witness in a case of Jeffrie is
plaintiff, and Jos.Rodidoux[?]
is defendant, on the part of the
after being legally summoned by the sheriff of the said
county, and have you then there this writ.

*Witness A Gamble clerk of our said court
at the city of St.Louis , this 9th day of June
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty four and of our independence the forty 7th A Gamble Clk*

---

**Page 42** (1186_042.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

Jeffrie
vs
Robidoux
Executed this writ June
9th 1824
and have the Body
of said Langdeau[?] in open
Court

*J. K Walker Shff Service \$1.00*

---

**Page 43** (1186_043.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Notice of Appeal*

To Joseph Robidoux
Sir
You will please take notice that
in the case of Jeffrie who was by his next friend
Rachael Camp against you in a plea of
Assault & Battery Trespass and false imprisonment
the said Jeffrie by his Attorney has sued out a writ
of error to the Supreme Court of this State for
the 3rd Judicial district to reverse the judgment
heretofore obtained by you against said Jeffrie as
aforesaid. The Supreme Court to be holden on
the first Monday of November next
You are also notified that if you take
said Jeffrie out of the juridiction of the fourth
You will be held responsible on your recognizance
You will therefore not remove said Jeffrie at your
permit.

*Jeffrie by his next
friend R Camp for. Bays & Pattis[?]
his Attys.*

---

**Page 44** (1186_044.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

A copy of the within notice was served on Jos. Robidoux
August 10 1827

*R Simpson Shf Service $.50*
> *Legal Function: Caption*

Jeffrie
vs
Robidoux
notice.

---

**Page 45** (1186_045.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Affidavit of Rachel Camp*

State of Missouri
St Louis County Ss.
This day came before Mr Rachael
Camp & on her oath says that
Jeffry now held as a slave by Joseph Robidoux is
her grand son he the as raised by Francis Duroin[?]
& burn after the Americans took Possession of
that Parts of Louisiana now called Missouri
in the year 1804 or 1805 Jeffry was born in St Louis & this [illegible] has been [illegible] Acquainted
with him from infancy

*Sworn to before me
January 29th 1830 Rachael Her X
Mark Camp
G A Brad Peace*
> *Legal Function: Caption*

affidavit of Rachael Camp

*filed 29th January 1830=*

---

**Page 46** (1186_046.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

Jeffry
vs
Jos. Robidoux
Affidant filed
January 29th 1830

*A Gamble Clk*

---

**Page 47** (1186_047.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Motion to Set Aside Judgment*

Jeffrie
vs
Joseph Robidoux
Judgment in Saint Louis in St St. Louis Circuit Court
The said Jeffrie by leave
of the court have first had and obtained
by George his attorney moves the court
to set aside the judgment in the above
cause, for irregularity, in this that it
affairs that the verdict was [illegible]
upon on [illegible] not regularly made up - because the
Plaintiff was at the time of the Feby
of the replication, and when the verdict
and judgement was rendered- an infant
under the age of 21 years and he did
not appear by Guardian or next given. but by attorney. Also because there was
no guardian on next friend appointed
according to law for said [illegible]
and said Jeffrie moves the court that
a will be made on said Robidoux
to then cause why the said judgement

---

**Page 48** (1186_048.jpg)
for the irregularities aforesaid and others
should not be set aside

*Gegry for Plff [illegible]*
> *Legal Function: Caption*

Reasons

*filed
January 29th 1830 A.G. Clk*

---

**Page 49** (1186_049.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Judgment of the Court*

State of Missouri Sct,
At a Circuit Court begun and held at the City of Saint
Louis within and for the County of Saint Louis in the third Judicial Circuit
of the State of Missouri on the Fourth Monday of November being the twenty
third day of said month in the year of our Lord One thousand Eight Hundred and twenty nine were present the Honorable William C Carr Judge of the
third Judicial Circuit of the State of Missouri Hamilton Gamble Esquire
Circuit Attorney Robert Simpson Esquire Sheriff of the County of St Louis
and Archibald Gamble Clerk
Court adjourned from time to time until Friday 29th January 1830
Friday 29th January 1830
Court met pursuant to adjournment present same Judge
> *Legal Function: Judgment of the Court*

Jeffrey vs Joseph Robidoux
On motion of Mr Geyer he is permitted by the court
to appear as the attorney of the said Jeffrey and the
said attorney files the affidavit of Rachel Camp and afterwards
to wit; on the said twenty ninth day of January in the year and at the
term aforesaid on motion of Mr. Geyer attorney for the plaintiff it is
Ruled that said Joseph Robidoux shew cause at the next term of
this court why the Judgement entered at the June term of this court
in the year one thousand Eight Hundred and twenty four against
said plaintiff should not be set aside for irregularity
> *Legal Function: Affidavit of Archibald Gamble*

State of Missouri
County of St Louis [illegible]
I Archibald Gamble Clerk of the Circuit Court
for the County of St Louis do certify that the above is a true copy
of the orders made in the case of Jeffrey vs Joseph Robidoux at the
November Term of the Circuit Court for the County of St Louis in the
Year Eighteen hundred and twenty nine as the same now remains
in my office

*Given under my hand and the deal of the said
Circuit Court at office this Thirteenth day of
February Eighteen Hundred and Thirty Archibald Gamble Clerk*

---

**Page 50** (1186_050.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

Second this notice or order of Court upon
Joseph Robidoux by showing to him the
notice & further of reading the same, at the
City of St Louis Feby 13th 1830
Fees 50 cts

*R Simpson Shff B. D. Cufen Dept. Shff[?]*

---

**Page 51** (1186_051.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

Jeffry
vs
Joseph Robidoux

---

**Page 52** (1186_052.jpg)

---

**Page 53** (1186_053.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena for R. Laird and Rosalin Latribe*

County Of St. Louis , Sct.
The State Of Missouri , To the Sheriff of St. Louis County.....Greeting.
You are hereby commanded to summon R Lionel at the Catholic
Church St. Louis & Rosalie Latripe[?] wife of John
Latripe[?]
that setting aide all manner of excue and delay, he be and appear in proper person before
the Judge of our Circuit Court , on the forthwith day of at the City of
St. Louis , then and there to testify and the truth to say in a certain matter of controversy now
pending in our said Court, wherein Joseph Rbidoux[?] [illegible] is plaintiff,
and Jeffrey a man of color is defendant, on the
part of the Dft[?] ; and have you then there this writ.

*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit
Court , at the city of St. Louis , this first day
of April in the year of our Lord one thouand
eight hundred and thirty A Gamble Clerk, C. C.*

---

**Page 54** (1186_054.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

March Term 1830
Joseph Robidoux
vs
Jeffrey
R. Loisel[?] -
Rofaliee Laweze[?]
[illegible] [illegible]
[illegible]
for Dft[?]
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

Executed this writ on R Lionl[?] and Rosalie
Latnse[?] in St Louis April 1830 by reading
to them the [illegible]

*R Smifun Shff*

---

**Page 55** (1186_055.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Plaintiff's Brief*

Jeffrey vs
Ra bidoux[?]
Suit for freedom [illegible] to [illegible]
aide the proceedings for the
following [illegible]
1 Because the Record shows that this suit [illegible]
prosecuted by an Infants [illegible] any Guardian
or next friend legally appointed
2 because it appears by the record that the
Replication to defendant pleas was by attorny[?]
& not by guardian.
Where party may be lieved[?] on motion Su[?] Salk 98 264 - & letter as Mundall/[?] & Bap & Pal
427 - also Open him as Harrison / Barr 20
Denton us Mop C Islmeson[?] 29G opinion of Nammup[?]
Lodge also sue Rodgers vs Jenkins [illegible] - 3 Easts 384
2 East 110 589 / Comyns[?] Length 648 -
It is said because in Comyon/[?] 648 that an infants
in wighed[?] to be come bail may be relieved from
a judgement obtained againsts him as such bail
by Audita[?] Gurela[?] [illegible] and In the Case of Sisten[?]
vs Mundall[?] / Bop & Pul 427 the Courts determine
"[?] that it is the modern practice to interpose in a summary
[illegible] - in all cases where the party would be
intilted[?] too relief in an [illegible] Lurla[?].
I believe the a have an thousand will show that
the proceeding ought to [illegible] aside for irregulatory
the papers show that Jeffrey was an infants & this
courts is not to pronounce that he is now of age
Jeffries[?] name was then used [illegible] any legal
authority

---

**Page 56** (1186_056.jpg)
and I have not been able to find our case in all
the books where the courts has refused to set aside
proceedings where they are founded on defenitive process
or where the name of the party has been used
without authority on Motion. I should [illegible]
[illegible] from this rule the case where a [illegible]
attorney appears for his clients [illegible] that authority
the courts have in some instances lifts the party to
thus remedy against the attorney. Both in this case
by the decision complained of the plaintiff is
[illegible] [illegible] & can have no remedy - If he could
maintain a suits many could not [illegible]
him for the loss of his freedom.

*G A Bria for
Jeffrey*
> *Legal Function: Caption*

Jeffery
vs
Robidoux
Brief

---

**Page 57** (1186_057.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Bill of Acceptions*

Jeffrey
vs Joseph Robidoux
St Louis Circuit
Best remembered that an the rule to
show cause [illegible] the Judgements rendered
in this cause should not be set aside for irregularity. the
said Robidoux showed for cause nothing but the
record & proceedings in said cause. the said
[illegible] Jeffrey showed that all the authority which
Rachael Camp who prosecuted said scuts as his
Guardian or next friend has for so doing was
derived from an order of which the following
is a copy of here [illegible] the order apparting
Rachael Camp Guardian or [illegible] found Record Book No 3. pg &[?] 37[?]
(The said plaintiff also offered to prove that Said)
at the time of the [illegible] of said
at and at the time of the condition of the conduct & judgement
he was an infants under the age of [illegible] one
years namely that he was burn the fourteenth
day of May 1806-The courts refused to hear
this [illegible], discharged the rule, and refused
to set aside said judgments for irregularity
to the business at the courts in refusing to hear
the [illegible] offered as aforesaid in discharging
said rule and refusing to set aside said judge
--ments said Jeffry [illegible] of tenders this Bill of
[illegible] while is [illegible] [illegible] sealed &[?] made
part of the record

*Will C. Carr*

---

**Page 58** (1186_058.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

Jeffrey
vs
Robidoux
Bill of exceptions
Bill of exceptions

*Filed 31st August 1830 Archibald Gamble Clerk*

---

**Page 59** (1186_059.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Order of the Supreme Court*

Jeffrie
vs
Robidoux
In [illegible]
It appears by the record that in the
year 1822 Jeffrie the plaintiff in error by Rachel
Camp his next friend by Robert Wash Eqr. an at
torny at case presented his petition to the Circuit
Court of St. Louis County for have to sue as a poor per
-son for his freedom The leave was granted the suit was
instituted and the proceedings afterwards were carri-
ed on by Jeffrie & R Camp the next friend - by their
attorney a trial was had verdict and judgment
were against Jeffrie at a subsequent Term of
the Court Jaffrie maved the Court to Set aside the
judgment on the ground of the proceedings being
irregular and produced evidence to shew that at
the time the suit was instituted and judgments ren-
dered he was an infant under the age of twenty
one years the Court refused to set the proceedings
aside and the whole case is brought to this Court by a writ of Error
The points made by the plaintiff in error
are that the court erred in confusing to sot aside
the judgment for irregularity secondly that
the plaintiff appeared by a next friend and
by attorney in the court below so that if he were
an infant the appearance by an attorney is error
and thirdly that if the record does not show the
infancy of the plaintiff then the court must
take the truth to be that Jeffrie was an adult
and that an adult except in cases of coventure
cannot appear by a next friend.
On the first point it is not untirely clear that the court
should have set the proceedings asides for the irregu-
larity was occasioned by the act of the plaintiff or
by the act of some one who pretended to act for him
But on the second ground there is manifest error in
the judgment and proceedings

---

**Page 60** (1186_060.jpg)
The law is that when an infant has cause of suit
the suit may be commenced by guardian or next friend previ-
ously appointed according to law and where none has been ap-
pointed them the guardianship or next friend may be made with-
out any other formality than the next friend acknowledging in
open court that he will act as such or the evidence may be
made by the acknowledgement being in writing and filed
with the declaration no such evidence exisits[?] to in this case
there was therefore no lawful prochim[?] any yet or did
in fact act. Now if it did appear that the plaintiff was
an infant which it does not it would be error to ap-
pear by an unauthorized person this person apprears by
attorney as well as by next friend this would also be
error if the plaintiff were an infant But so far as any thing
appears by the record We are bound to suppose that this per-
son was not an infant nothing appears by which we
could disting[?] wish that this plaintiff was not of age any
more than in other Cases accepts by a subsequent affida
-vit in every case the court will take every plaintiff and
every defendant to be of full age till the point is made and
the evidence heard and though Judgment be wondered against
an infant it is good title reserved In this Case them for all
the purposes for which the partys age is to be now consid-
er take the plaintiff to have been of full age at the time the
suit was commenced it was unlawful therefore for R
Camp to present herself as the next friend of this man in
the way she did no one has a right to bring a suit
or do the business of another so as to make his acts bind
-ing in law upon that other person without his or her Consent
It is urged by the Counsel for the defandant in error that
this was a proceeding under the statute which anthor as as
persons holden in slavery to sue as poor persons for free-
dom We have no doubt that the proceeding was of that
character The act of the legislature on that subject
provided that when any person holden in slavery shall
wish to prosecute his suit for freedom he or she shall
shall present a petition to the court for have to sue and
if the court shall be of opinion that the claim to

---

**Page 61** (1186_061.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Order of the Supreme Court Part 2*

freedom is well founded that have shall be given to the pe
titioner to sue as a poor person and the court shall assign the
petitioner Counsel in this Case no Counsel was assigned But
[illegible] is given to sue by his next friend R Camp It is assu
med that the plaintiff was an infant and that R Camp was
the next friend This act respecting suits for freedom leaves
the common law as it was before its passage as to the
rights of infants to sue If counsel has been appointed
in this Case still the question how shall an infant appear
would be the subject of Consideration If counsel had
been appointed in the Case and no pretended next friend
had interfered then there would have been a binding judg-
ment until reversed We cannot sue how this Judgment
can be supported it is perhapse both erroneous and ir-
regular irregularity is no cause of reversal until the
court below have actiol on the irregularity that has been
done in this case
The Judgment is reversed with costs and remanded
to the Circuit Court for further proceedings

*M McGirk George Tompkins Judge Wash having been counsel in this cause
gave no opinion.*
> *Legal Function: Affidavit of Joseph B. Brown*

Jeffrey
vs
Joseph Robidoux
Saturday 30th April 1835
Error from St. Louis Circuit Court
And now at this day come the
parties aforesaid by their respective attornies and the court
now here being sufficiently advised of and concerning
the premises consider that the judgment aforesaid in
form aforesaid by the said Circuit Court [illegible] be re-
versed and for nought held and esteemed and it is ordered
by the Court that the Cause be remanded to the said
Circuit Court for further proceedings in the said Cause
in Conformity with the opinion of this Court deliv-
ered in this case and it is further considered by the
Court that the said Jeffrey recover of the said
Joseph Robidoux his costs and charged by him about

---

**Page 62** (1186_062.jpg)
the prosecution of his writ of error in this case ex-
pended and that he have thereof execution.
State of Missouri
3rd Inde. district
sat
I Joseph C Brown Clerk of the Supreme Court
for the third Judicial district in the state of Mis-
souri do certify the foregoing is a true and full
copy of the opinion of the said court delivered in
the said case of Jeffrey vs Joseph Robidoux and
of the Judgment of the said Court rendered in the said case as they remain in my officer.

*In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and seal of Office at
Office this twenty eighth day of Octo
ber in the year of our Lord one thou-
sand eight hundred and thirty one Jos. C Brown Clerk*
> *Legal Function: Caption*

Jeffrey vs Joseph Robidoux

*Filed November 1st. 1831 Archibald Gamble Clerk*

---

**Page 63** (1186_063.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena for Louis Languidoe, Francis Deroin, Jean Deroin*

County Of St. Louis , Sct. State of Missouri , To the Sheriff of St. Louis County---Greeting.
You are hereby commanded to summon Louis Langusdoc
Francis [illegible] Deraw of [illegible] Deroin
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay, they be and appear in proper person before the
Judge of our Circuit Conrt, on the fifteenth day of Decr at the
City of St. Louis , then and there to testify and the truth to say in a certain matter of controversy now
pending in our said Court, wherein Jeffry, is
plaintiff, and Joseph Robidoux [illegible] [illegible] defendant,
on the part of the pttf; and have you then there this writ.

*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said
Circuit Court , at the City of St. Louis , this first
day of Decm. in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and thirty-one A Gamble Clerk, C. C.*

---

**Page 64** (1186_064.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

Nov. Term 1831
Jeffry
vs
Josh Robidoux
for

*Louis Languidoc Jno Derouin Jean Derouin 10 15th Decr. for the plff*
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

Executed on Jean Derouin 10[?] December 1831
not Executed on the balance for want
of a court

*John K Walker
Shff Service 50*

---

**Page 65** (1186_065.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena for Louis Languidoe, Francis Deroin, Jean Deroin*

State of Missouri , County Of St. Louis , Sct. To the Sheriff of Saint Louis County---Greeting.
You are hereby commanded to summon Louis Languedoc - Francis Derouin - Jean Derown
that setting aside all manner of excue and delay, they be and appear in proper person before the
Judge of our Circuit Court , on the Fifth day of April instant at the
City of St. Louis , then and there to testify and the truth to say in a certain matter of controversy now
pending in our said Court, wherein Jeffrey is
plaintiff, and Joseph Robidoux
is defendant,
on the part of the plaintiff; and have you then there this writ.

*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said
Circuit Court , at the City of St. Louis , this Eighteenth
day of February in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and thirty-two Archibald Gamble Clerk C. C.*

---

**Page 66** (1186_066.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

March Term 1832
Jeffrey vs
Joseph Robidoux
for plff

*Louis Languedoc Francis Deroin Jean Deroin on 5th april*
> *Legal Function: Certification of Execution*

Louis Languedoc Francois Leeoinc & Jean Lerorence
not found

*John K Walker Shff 3 [illegible] - 37 1/2 cts*

---

**Page 67** (1186_067.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena for Robert Wash and David Solomon*

State of Missouri , County Of St. Louis -Sct. To the Sheriff of St. Louis County-Greeting.
You Are Hereby Commanded To Summon[illegible]
Robert Wash and David Solomon
that setting aside all manner of excue and delay, they be and appear in proper person
before the Judge of our Circuit Court , on the ninth day of April Instant
at the City of St. Louis , then and there to testify and the truth to say in a certain matter of
controversy now pending in our said Court; wherein Jeffrey
is plaintiff, and Joseph Robidoux
is defendant, on the part of the plaintiff
and have you then there this writ.

*Witness: Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit Court ,
at the City of St. Louis , this seventh day of
April in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and thirty-two Clerk C. C.*

---

**Page 68** (1186_068.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

March Term [illegible] 1832
Jeffrey
v
[illegible]
Joseph Robidoux
for plff
witnesses

*Robert Wash David Solomon 9th April*
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

Robert Wash & David Solomon not from

*John. K Walker Shff 2 [illegible] 25 cts*

---

**Page 69** (1186_069.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena for Louis Languidoe, Francis Deroin, Jean Deroin, Robert Wash, David Solomon*

State of Missouri , County Of St. Louis -Sct. To the Sheriff of St. Louis County-Greeting.
You Are Hereby Commanded To Summon Louis Languidoc - Francis
Deroin - Jean Deroin - Robert Wash & David Solomon
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay, They be and appear in proper person
before the Judge of our Circuit Court , on the 31st day of July next
at the City of St. Louis , then and there to testify and the truth to say in a certain matter of
controversy now pending in our said Court, wherein Jeffrey is
plaintiff, and Joeph Robidoux
is defendant, on the part of the plaintiff
and have you then there this writ.

*Witness: Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit Court ,
at the City of St. Louis , this 29th day of
June in the year of our Lod one thousand
eight hundred and thirty-two Archibald Gamble Clerk, C. C.*

---

**Page 70** (1186_070.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

Served this writ on J Deroin
on 16th July 1832 on Robt Wash
on the 23rd July 1832 Louis
Languedoc & Jean Deroin writ
found

*Jno. Walker Shff Service 1.00 2 [illegible] .25 $ 1.25*
> *Legal Function: Caption*

July Term 1832
Jeffrey
vs
Joseph Robidoux
for plaintiff

*Louis Languedoc Francis Deroin 16 Jean Deroin Robert Wash David Solomon on 31st July*

---

**Page 71** (1186_071.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena for Louis Languidoe, Francis Deroin, Jean Deroin, Robert Wash, David Solomon*

State of Missouri , County Of St. Louis -Sct. To the Sheriff of St. Louis County-Greeting
You Are Hereby Commanded To Summon Louis Languedoc - Francis Deroin
Jean Deroin - Robert Wash and David Lolomon
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay, they be and appear in proper person
before the Judge of our Circuit Court , on the Sixth day of December next
at the City of St. Louis , then and there to testify and the truth to say in a certain matter of
controversy now pending in our said Court, wherein Jeffrey is
plaintiff, and Joseph Robidoux is
defendant, on the part of the plaintiff
and have you then there this writ.

*Witness: Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit Court ,
at the City of St. Louis , this Seventh day of
November in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and thirty-two Archibald Gamble Clerk C. C.*

---

**Page 72** (1186_072.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

Executed this writ an Robert Walsh on the 15th
day of November 1832 Louis Languedoc Francis
Deroin Jean Deroin David Solomon not found
in my County November 1832
|   |   |   |   |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service | $ | 00.. | 50 |
| | | 50 | |
| [illegible] | [illegible] 37 | \$1.37 | |
John K Walker Sheriff By Issac Stonin[?] D B
Louis Languedoc since found and summoned and the
26th November by reading the same to him in St. Louis
County J. F Walker Shff
> *Legal Function: Caption*

November Term 1832
Jeffrey
vs
Joseph Robidoux
for plff

*\+ Louis Languedoc Francis Deroin Jean Deroin Robert Wash David Solomon
on 6th Decr.*

---

**Page 73** (1186_073.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena for Louis Languidoe, Francis Deroin, Jean Deroin, Robert Wash, David Solomon*

State of Missouri ,
County Of St. Louis ..Sct. To the Sheriff of St. Louis County--Greeting.
You are hereby commanded to summon Louis Langudoc[?]- Francis Deroin Jean
Deroin- Robert Wash and David Solomon
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay, they be and appear in proper person before the
Judge of our Circuit Court , on the 2nd day of April next
at the City of St. Louis , then and there to testify and the truth to say, in a certain matter of controversy
now pending in our said Court, wherein Jeffrey is
plaintiff, and Joseph Robidoux is
defendant, on the part of the plaintiff
and have you then there this writ.

*Witness: Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit Court , at the City of
St. Louis , this 25th day of February
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thiry three Archibald Gamble Clerk, C. C.*

---

**Page 74** (1186_074.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

Executed this writ by reading it to Louis Langue
doc 5th March Robert Walsh 1th march John Deroin
Jean Francis Deroin David Solomon not found
in my country March 5th 1833
|   |   |   |
|---|---|---|
| Service | $ | 1.00 |
| 37 1/2[?] | $ | 1.37 1/2 |

*John K Walker Sheriff by J Brotherton Dp*
> *Legal Function: Caption*

March Term 1833
Jeffrey
vs
Joseph Robidoux
for the plaintiff

*X Louis Languedoc Francis Deroin Jean Deroin X Robert Wash David Solomon on 2nd April*

---

**Page 75** (1186_075.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena for Louis Languidoe, Francis Deroin, Jean Deroin, Robert Wash, David Solomon*

State of Missouri ,
County Of St. Louis ..Sct. To the Sheriff of St. Louis County--Greeting.
You are hereby commanded to summon Louis Languedoc, Francis Deroin ,
Jean Deroin , Robert Wash, David Solomon
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay, they be and appear in proper person before the
Judge of our Circuit Court , on the 26th day of July next
at the City of St. Louis , then and there to tesity and the truth to say in a certain matter of controversy
now pending in our said Court, wherein Jeffrey by his next friend is
plaintiff, and Joseph Robidoux
defendant, on the part of the plaintiff
and have you then there this writ.

*Witness: Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit Court , at the City of
St. Louis , this thirteenth day of June
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three A Gamble Clerk, C. C.*

---

**Page 76** (1186_076.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

July Term 1833
Jeffrey
vs
Joseph Robidoux
for plaintiff

*Louis Languedoc Francis Deroin Jean Deroin Robert Wash 12 David Solomon on 26 July*
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

Executed this writ on R Wash the 12th day of
July 1833 in the county of St.Louis, Louis Langue=doc
Francis Deroin Jean Deroin , David Solomon not found
in my county
Service 50
[illegible] [illegible] 50
\$1.00

*John Walker Shff*

---

**Page 77** (1186_077.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena for Louis Languidoe, Francis Deroin, Jean Deroin, Robert Wash, David Solomon *

State of Missouri ,
County Of St. Louis ..Sct. To the Sheriff of St. Louis County--Greeting.
You are hereby commanded to summon Louis Languedoc, Francis Deroin ,
Jean Deroin , Robert Wash ,& David Solomon
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay, they be and appear in proper person before the
Judge of our Circuit Court , on the 3rd day of
at the City of St. Louis , then and there to tesity and the truth to say in a certain matter of controversy
now pending in our said Court, wherein Jeffrey is
plaintiff, and Francis Robidoux is
defendant, on the part of the plaintiff
and have you then there this writ.

*Witness: Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit Court , at the City of
St. Louies, this 28th day of October
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three Archibald Gamble Clerk, C. C.*

---

**Page 78** (1186_078.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

November Term 1833
Jeffrey
vs
Francis Robidoux
for plff

*Louis Languedoc Francis Deroin Jean Deroin X Robert Wash 14 David Solomon Dead on 3rd Decr*
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

Executed this writ on Robt Wash 14th
November 1833in the St.Louis, County
Louis Languedoc
F & J Deroin not
found D.Solomon Dead
Service 50
[illegible] [illegible] [illegible]

*John Walker Shff*

---

**Page 79** (1186_079.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpeona for Arnold Deroin*

State of Missouri ,
County of St. Louis ,Sct. To the Sheriff of St. Louis County--Greeting.
You are hereby commanded to summon Amable Deroin
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay, he be and appear in proper person
before the Judge of our Circuit Court , on the fourthwith day of
at the City of St. Louis , then and there to testify and the truth to say in a certain matter of controversy now pending in our said Court,
wherein Jeffrey is
plaintiff, and
Joseph Robidoux is defendant, on the
part of the plaintiff and have you then there this writ.

*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit Court , at the
City of St. Louies, this sixteenth day of Decr
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three A Gamble Clerk, C. C.*

---

**Page 80** (1186_080.jpg)
Amable Deroin not found

*John K Walker Shff [illegible] 12 1/2 [illegible]*
[illegible]
Jeffrey
vs
Josh Robidoux
for

*Amable Deroin
forthwith for
Plf[?]*

---

**Page 81** (1186_081.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena for Louis Languidoe, Francis Deroin, Jean Deroin, Robert Wash, David Solomon, Arnold Deroin*

State of Missouri ,
County of St. Louis ,Sct. To the Sheriff of St. Louis County-Greeting.
You are hereby commanded to summon Louis Languedoc
Francis Deroin Jean Deroin Rob Wash
David Solomon Amable Deroin
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay, they be and appear in proper person
before the Judge of our Circuit Court , thirty first day of
July at the City of St. Louis , then and there to tesity and
the truth to say in a certain matter of controversy now pending in our said Court,
wherein Jeffrey is
plaintiff, and
Francis Robidoux is defendant, on the
part of the plaintiff and have you then there this writ.

*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit Court , at the
City of St. Louis , this 12th day of June
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty four A Gamble Clerk, C. C.*

---

**Page 82** (1186_082.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

July Term 1834
[illegible]
Jeffery vs
Jo Robidoux
for

*Francis Deroin Jean Deroin Louis Languedoc + Robt Wash 18 David Solomon Amable Deroin 31st July
for
Plaintiff*
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

Executed this writ on Robert Wash the
8th day of July 1834by reading it to him in
the County of St.Louis Francis Deroin
Jean Deroin Louis Languedoc David
Solomon - Amable Deroin not found in
my County

*John K Walker Sheriff by J Brown Dp[?] Service \$1.12 1/2*

---

**Page 83** (1186_083.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena for Louis Languidoe, Francis Deroin, Jean Deroin, Robert Wash, David Solomon, Arnold Deroin*

State of Missouri ,
County of St. Louis ,Sct. To the Sheriff of St. Louis County--Greeting.
You are hereby commanded to summon Louis Languedoc
Francis Deroin Jean Deroin Robt Wash
David Solomons Amable Deroin
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay, they be and appear in proper person
before the Judge of our Circuit Court , on the thirty first day of
March at the City of St. Louis , then and there to testify and
the truth to say in a certain matter of controversy now pending in our said Court,
wherein Jeffrey by his next friend is plaintiff, and
Francis Robidoux is defendant, on the
part of the and have you then there this writ.

*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit Court , at the
City of St. Louis , this 20th day of February
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty four A Gamble Clerk, C. C.*

---

**Page 84** (1186_084.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

March Term 1834
Jeffrey vs
Francis Robidoux
for

*Louis Languedoc dead Francis Deroin Jean Deroin X Robt Wash X David Solomon Amable Deroin 31st March
for
Plaintiff*
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

Executed this writ on David Solomon
14th on Robert Wash 27th March
in the County of St Louis 1834
Louis Landuedoc[?] Francis Deroin Jean
Deroin Amable Deroin not found in my
County

*John K Walker Shff by Isaac Stourds Dp Service \$1.00 4 [illegible] 50 \$1.50*

---

**Page 85** (1186_085.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena for Louis Languidoe, Francis Deroin, Jean Deroin, Robert Wash, David Solomon, Arnold Deroin*

State of Missouri ,
County of St. Louis ,Sct. To the Sheriff of St. Louis County--Greeting.
You are hereby commanded to summon Louis Languedoc
Francis Deroin Jean Deroin Robt
Wash David Solomons Amable Deroin
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay, they be and appear in proper
person before the Judge of our Circuit Court , 27th
day of March at the City of St. Louis , then and there to
testify and the truth to say in a certain matter of controversy now pending in
our said Court, wherein Jeoffry a man of color
is plaintiff and Francis
Robidoux is defendant on the part of
Plaintiff and have you then there this writ.

*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit Court , at the
City of St. Louis , this 25th day of February
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty five A Gamble Clerk, C. C.*

---

**Page 86** (1186_086.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

[illegible]
March Term 1835
Jeffry vs
Francis Robidoux
for

*Louis Languedoc Dead Francis Deroin Dead Robt Wash 27 David Solomon Dead Amable Deroin Jean Deroin*
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

Executed this by Reading A Robert Wash in the
County of St Louis on the 27th day of March
1835 Louis Languedoc Francis Deroin dead
David Solomon [illegible] Amable Deroin
and Jean Deroin not found in my County

*J Brotherton Shff by M Brotherton Dept Service $ 50 5 [illegible] 6 2 1/2 \$112 1/2*

---

**Page 87** (1186_087.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena for Louis Languidoe, Francis Deroin, Jean Deroin, Robert Wash, David Solomon, Arnold Deroin*

State of Missouri ,
County of St. Louis ,Sct. To the Sheriff of St. Louis County--Greeting.
You are hereby commanded to summon Louis Languedoc Francis Deroin
Jean Deroin Robert Wash David Solomons Amable Deroin
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay, they be and appear in proper person
before the Judge of our Circuit Court , on the first day of
December at the City of St. Louis , then and there to tesity and
the truth to say in a certain matter of controversy now pending in our said Court,
wherein Jeoffry is plaintiff and
Francis Robidoux is defendant on the part of plaintiff and have you then there this writ.

*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit Court , at the
City of St. Louis , this Seventh day of Nov
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty four A Gamble Clerk, C. C.*

---

**Page 88** (1186_088.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

Executed this writ on Robert Wash by reading
it to him on the 17th day of Nov 1834 in the County of St Louis, Louis Languedoc, Francis
Deroin , Jean Deroin , David Solomon &
Amable Deroin not found in my County

*J Brothertan Shff by G Hammand Dept Service $ 50 5 [illegible] 62 1/2 \$1.12 1/2*
> *Legal Function: Caption*

Nov Term 1834
[illegible]
Jeffery vs
Francis Robidoux
for

*Louis Languedoc Francis Deroin Jean Deroin X Robert Wash 17 David Salomon Amable Deroin 1st Decrfor the
Plaintiff*

---

**Page 89** (1186_089.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena for Robert Wash, Arnold Deroin, Jean Deroin*

State of Missouri ,
County of St. Louis ,Sct. To the Sheriff of St. Louis County--Greeting.
You are hereby commanded to summon Robert Wash
Amable Deroin Jean Deroin
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay, they be and appear in proper
person before the Judge of our Circuit Court , on the 17th
of July at the city of St. Louis , then and there to
testify and
the truth to say in a certain matter of controversy now pending in
our said Court,
wherein Jeffry a man of color
is plaintiff and Francis Robidoux
is defendant on the part of plaintiff and have you then there this writ.

*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit Court , at the
City of St. Louis , this 15th day of June
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty five A Gamble Clerk, C. C.*

---

**Page 90** (1186_090.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

July Term 1835
Jeffery vs
Francis Robidoux
for

*Robt Wash Amable Deroin Jean Deroin 17th of Julyfor Plff*
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

Executed this by Reading it to Robt
Wash on the 1st day of July 1835 in
the County of St Louis , Amable Deroin
and Jean Deroin not found in my
County

*James Brotherton Shff by M Brotherton Dp shff[?] Service $ 50 [illegible] 25 \$75 cts*

---

**Page 91** (1186_091.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena for Robert Wash, Arnold Deroin, Jean Deroin*

State of Missouri ,
County of St. Louis ,Sct. To the Sheriff of St. Louis County--Greeting.
You are hereby commanded to summon Robert Wash
Amable Deroin Jean Deroin
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay, they be and appear in proper
person before the Judge of our Circuit Court , on the 13th
day of
Nov at the City of St. Louis , then and there to
tesify and
the truth to say in a certain matter of controversy now pending in
our said Court, wherein Jeffrey is
plaintiff and Francis Robidoux
is defendant on the part of
plaintiff and have you then there this writ.

*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit Court , at the
City of St. Louis , this 13th day of October
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty five A Gamble Clerk, C. C.*

---

**Page 92** (1186_092.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

Executed this writ by reading it to Robert
Wash on the 26th Nov 1835 in
the County of St Louis , Amable Deroin and Jean Deroin
not found in my
County

*Jm Brotherton Shff by G Hammend Depty Service $ 50 cts 2 [illegible] 25 \$75*
> *Legal Function: Caption*

Nov Term 1835
[illegible]
Jeffery vs
Francis Robidoux
for

*Robert Wash Amable Deroin Jean Deroin 13th Novfor
plaintiff*

---

**Page 93** (1186_093.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Transcript*

State of Missouri
Ss
County of St Louis
Be it remembered that heretofore to wit at
a term of the Circuit Court for the said County begun and held
at the then Town of St Louis on the first Monday in June in
the Year Eighteen hundred and Twenty two before the Honorable
Nathaniel Beverly Tucker Judge of the third Judicial Circuit of
the State of Missouri ; the following, among other proceedings were
had to wit “"Friday June 14th 1822 = Jeffrie by his next friend Ra=
chael Camp = vs = Joseph Robidou Robert Wash presents the petition
of Jeffrie praying that he may be permitted to institute a suit against
Joseph Robidou for establishing his right to freedom and that he may
be permitted to sue as a poor person = Thereupon the court permit the
said Jeffrie to sue as aforesaid and circut an action of assault &
Battery and false imprisonment to be brought in the name of the
said Jeffrie by his next friend Rachel Camp against the said
Order: Joseph Robidou = And it is ordered by the Court that the said
defendant permit the said Jeffrie to have a reasonable liberty to
of attending his counsel and the court when occasion may require
it and that the said petitioner shall not be taken or remove
out of the jurisdiction of this court or be subject to any severity
of treatment on account of his application for freedom =” And
afterwards to wit on the fifth day of August in the said year (in ac
acordance[?] with the above permission of the Court) the said Jeffrie
by his attorney filed, in the Office of the Clerk of the said Circuit
Court , his declaration in the words and figures following to wit=
Declaration = " State of Missouri = County of St Louis = Circuit Court, October Term
1822 = Jeffrie a mulatto boy by his next friend Rachael Camp
and by Pettis his attorney, complains of Joseph Robidoux of a plea
of trespass = For that the said Joseph Robidoux on the Eighth
day of October eighteen hundred and twenty with force and arms
made an assault upon the said Jeffrie to wit as the county a=
foresaid and then and three beat bruised and ill=treated him
the said Jeffrie insomuch that his life was thereby then &
there dispaired of = And also for that the said Joseph Robidoux
on the on the Eighth day of October Eighteen hundred and
twenty with force and arms &c made another assault

---

**Page 94** (1186_094.jpg)
upon the said Jeffrie to with at the county aforesaid and then &
there imprisoned him the said Jeffrie bruised and ill-treated him
the said Jeffrie and then & there imprisoned him the said Jeffrie and
kept and detained him in prison there without any reasonable or
probable cause whatsoever, for a long time to wit for the space of
two years then next following - Contrary to the laws and customs of
this state aforesaid and against the will of the said Jeffrie and against
and other wrongs to the said Jeffrie the said Joseph then and there
to the great damage of the said Jeffrie and against the peace and
dignity of the State, wherefore the said Jeffrie Saith he is injured
and hath sustained damage to the amount of $ 1,000 and therefore
he by his next friend aforsaid sues &c Pettes atty for Plff =” Where=
upon a summons issued from the office of the said Clerk in the
words & figures following to wit " County of St Louis = ss. The State
of Missouri = To the Sheriff of said County Greeting = We command
you to summon Joseph Robidoux that he be and appear before
the Judge of our Circuit Court at the next Term thereof to be held
at the Town of St Louis within and for the county of St. Louis on
the first Monday in October next then and there to answer unto
Jeffrie a mulato boy by his next friend Rachael Camp of a
plea of trespass to the damage of the said plaintiff of one thousand
dollars and have you then there this writ Ls Witness Archibald
Gamble Clerk of our said Court at Office this 5th day of August
1822 = Archibald Gamble Clerk" And the said writ was endorsed
Return with the following Sheriff Return viz “Executed this writ by reading
it and the declaration to the defendant Joseph Robidoux on the
5th August 1822, in the Town of St Louis = Jno K Walker D Shff"
And afterwards to wit on the twenty ninth day of October in the
said last mentioned year the following plea was filed in said
cause to wit = " Joseph Robidoux = adsm = Geoffroi a mulatto
boy October Term 1822 And the said Robidoux by his attornies
comes and defends the wrong and injury when &c and says that at
the time of the commmitting of the said several supposed greivances
he the said Jeffrie was the slave of him the said Robidous
and this he is ready to verify wherefore he prays Judgment
if the said Jeffrie ought to have or maintain his aforesaid

---

**Page 95** (1186_095.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Transcript Part 2*

wound, bruise & ill treat the said Jeffrie and did then and there
seize, lay hold of & falsely imprison him the said Jeffrie and
then and there kept & detained him the said Jeffrie in prison
against his will without any probable or reasonable cause what
soever and still does at the county aforesaid detain and impris-
on him the said Jeffrie without any probable or reasonable cause what
soever and still does at the county aforesaid detain and impris=
on him the said Jeffrie without any probable cause
whatsoever and against the will and consent of him the said
Jeffrie and other wrongs to the said Jeffrie then and there did
to the damage of the said Plaintiff Jeffrie of one thousand dol=
lars & against the peace & dignity of the state of Missouri
& therefore he sues &c - Pettis atty for Plff = And also for that
the said Defendant heretofore to wit on the day and year
last aforesaid at the county aforesaid with force and arms made a assault upon him the said Jeffrie and then & there
beat, bruised, wounded, maimed, and ill-treated him the said
Jeffrie and then & there unlawfully held, detained and im-
prisoned him the said Jeffrie against his will and consent &
without any legal cause whatsoever & has ever since held, detain
ed and imprisoned him the said Jeffrie & still does hold, detain
and imprison him the said Jeffrie against his will & consent &
without any legal cause whatsoever and other wrongs to
the said Jeffrie the said defendant on the day and year last
aforesaid at the county aforesaid then and there did against
the peace and dignity of the State of Missouri and to the
damage of the said Jeffrie of one thousand dollars & therefore
he brings suit &c Pettis Atty for Plff” and afterwards to wit
on the fourth day of February in the year 1824 the following plea
was filed in said cause to wit = " Joseph Robidous = adsm =
Jeffrey = And the said Robidoux by his attornies comes and de-
fends the wrong and injury when &c and says that the said
Jeffrey ought not to have or maintain his aforesaid action
thereof against him the said Robidoux because he says that
the said Jeffrey is his slave, without this that the said Jeffrey
at the time of the commencement of the said suit was a
free person and of this he the said Robidoux puts himself upon
the country &c Shother & Coseuz” - “And the said Plff by his attorney

---

**Page 96** (1186_096.jpg)
action thereof against him &c Strother & Coseuz for deft-" and
on the same day and year the follow replication to the aforsaid
Replication plea was filed to wit = “And the said Plaintiff, by his attorney
for replication to the aforesaid plea of the said defendant says -
that he ought not to be barred or precludeds from having his
aforesaid action thereof against the said defendant because
he says that at the _ of the committing of the aforesaid assault
& Battery & False Imprisonment he was not the slave of him
the said Robidoux - And this the said plaintiff says prays may
be inquired of by the country Pettis for Plff” = And afterwards
to wit on the seventh day of October in the year eighteen hundred
and twenty three the fo[?] in the said Circuit Court , the following
further precedings were had to wit " Jeffrie -vs- Francois Robi-
doux On motion of the Defendant by his attorney leave is given
him to amend his pleadings” Whereupon in the year last aforesaid
last aforesaid & on the thirty first day of the said month of Oc-
tober the following amended declaration was filed music pro tune by consent in the office
Declaration = of the said Clerk to wit "St Louis County = Circuit Court Febru-
ary Term 1823 - Jeffrie a Mulatto Boy by Rachel Camp his next
friend who sues as a poor person by Pettis their attorney complains
of Joseph Robidoux of a plea of trespass for assault & Battery
& false imprisonment. For that the said Defendant heretofore
to wit on the first day of October in the year Eighteen hundred
and twenty at St Louis to wit at the county aforesaid with
force & arms did then and there assault beat and ill treat
the said Jeffrie and did then and there seize and lay hold of
the said Jeffrie and then and there imprisoned the said Jef-
frie and then & there kept and detained him the said Jeffrie
in prison against his will & without any reasonable or probable
cause whatsoever & still does detains & imprison the said
Jeffrie against his will & consent & other wrongs to the said
Jeffrie the said defendant then and there did against the
peace and degnity of the State of Missouri to the great
damage of him the said Jeffrie of one thousand dollars
and therefore he sues &c - And for that the said defendant
heretofore to wit on the day and year aforesaid at the County aforesaid with force and arms did then and there assault, beat

---

**Page 97** (1186_097.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Transcript Part 3*

does the like - Pettis -" and afterwards to wit at the June
Term of our said Court to wit on Thursday the tenth of June in
the year eighteen hundred and twenty four - the following proceed=
ings were had in said cause to wit "= Jeffrie by his next friend
Rachael Camp = vs = Joseph Robidoux = Now at this day come
the parties aforesaid by their respective attornies aforesaid and
thereupon also come a Jury to wit = Hugh Richards, John Magoon
George H C Melody, John Hoffa, John Andrews, Paul M Gratcoil
Robinson Kelly, More, Francis M Johnson Louis C Benoit, Alfred Skinner , twelve good and lawful men who being
duly elected tried and sworn tried and sworn well and truly to try the
issue within joined between the parties aforesaid upon their oaths a=
Verdict foresaid do say that the said Jeffrie is the slave of the said Joseph
Robidoux without this that the said Jeffrie at the time of the com=
mencement of this suit was a free person = Therefore it is considered
that the said plaintiff take nothing by his said writ and that
the said defendant go thereof without day =.” And the said Cause
was continued from term to term until Friday the twenty ninth
of January eighteen hundred and thirty When the following
further proceedings were had therein to wit “Jeffry = vs = Jo=
seph Robidoux = On motion of Mr Geyer he is permitted by
the court to appear as the attorney of the said Jeffry and the
said attorney files the affidavit of Rachel Camp" which
said affidavit is in the words and figures following to wit
Affidavit " State of Missouri = St Louis Louis County = ss = This day came
before me Rachel Camp & on her oath says that Jeffry now
held as a slave by Joseph Robidoux is her grand son, he was
raised by Thomas Francis Deroin and born after the Americans took
possession of that part of Louisianna now called Missouri in
the year 1804 or 1805 = Jeffry was born in St Louis and this affidawit
has been well acquainted with him from his infancy Rachel
her X mark Camp, Sworn to before me January 29th 1830 = G A Bird
J P.” and on the same day and year last aforesaid the following
motion to set aside the verdict & reasons therefore were filed to wit=
Mo: to set aside
Judgment
" Jeffrie vs Robidoux = Judgment in St St. Louis Circuit Court = The said
Jeffrie by leave of the court first had and obtained by Geyer his attorney
moves the court, to set aside the judgment in the above cause, for

---

**Page 98** (1186_098.jpg)
irregularity in this that it appears that the verdict was rendered
upon an issue not regularly made up, because the Plaintiff was
at the time of the filing of the aplication and when the verdict
and judgment was rendered, an infant under the age of twen-
ty one years and he did not appear by Guardian or next friend but by
attorney — Also because there was no guardian or next friend appointed
according to Law for said Jeffry, and said Jeffrie moves the court
that a rule be made on said Robidoux to show cause why the
said judgment for the irregularities aforesaid and others should not
be set aside Geyer for Plff” = And on the same day and year the
Rule Following further proceeding were had in said cause to wit="
Jeffrie - vs -
Joseph Robidoux - On Motion of Mr Geyer attorney for the plaintiff it
is ruled that said Joseph Robidoux show cause at the next term of this
court why the Judgment entered at the June term of this court in the age
one thousand Eight hundred and and twenty four against said Plaintiff
should not be set aside for irregularity” And the following said Cause was
Notice to Notice to the defendant aforesaid accordingly issued to wit = " State of Mis =
souri sct. A a Circuit Court begun and held at the city of St Louis within
and for the County of St Louis in the third judicial Circuit of the State of
Missouri on the fourth monday of November being the twenty third day
of said mouth in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred &
twenty nine, were present the Honorable William C Carr Judge
of the Third Judicial District Circuit of the State of Missouri , Hamil
ton Gamble Esquire Circuit Attorney, Robert Simpson Esquire Sheriff of
the county of St Louis & Archibald Gamble Clerk = Court adjourned
from time to time until Friday 29th February 1830= Friday 29th Jan-
uary 1830 = Court met pursuant to adjournment present same Judge
Jeffry = vs = Joseph Robidoux On motion of Mr Geyer his is permitted
by the court to appear as the attorney of the said Jeffry and the said
attorney files the affidavit of Rachel Camp and afterwards
to wit on the twenty ninth day of January in the year and at the
term aforesaid - "On motion of Mr Geyer attorney for the plaintiff
it is ruled that the said Joseph Robidoux show cause at the next
term of this court why the Judgment entered at the June Term of this
Court in the year one thousand Eight hundred and twenty four against
said Plaintiff should not be set aside for irregularily = State of

---

**Page 99** (1186_099.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Transcript Part 4*

Missouri , County of St Louis ss = I Archibald Gamble Clerk
of the Circuit Court for the county of St Louis do certify that the
above is a true copy of the orders made in the case of Jeffry
vs - Joseph Robidoux at the November Term of the Circuit Court
for the County of St Louis in the year Eighteen hundred and twenty
nine as the same now remains in my Office SS Given under
my hand and the seal of the said Circuit Court at office this
Thirteenth day of February Eighteen hundred and thirty Archibald
Gamble Clerk" = On which said Notice is endorsed the following return
Return to wit "Served this Notice or order of Court upon Joseph Robi-
doux by shewing to him the notice & further by reading to him the
same, at the city of St Louis February 13# 1830 = R Simpson Sheriff
by D E Cyler Depty Shff" And afterwards to wit on Friday the
twenty seventh day of June Eighteen hundred and thirty the follow-
ing further proceedings were had in said Cause to wit “Jeffrey
vs = Joseph Robidoux = On mature deliberation it is considered
by the court that the motion of the said Jeffrey to set aside
the Judgment heretofore rendered in this case be overruled” =
To which decision of the court overruling said motion the Plaintiff by
his attorney & af excepted and file afterwards to wit on the thirty
first day of August in the year eighteen hundred and thirty filed his
Bill of Exception which is in the words and figures following to wit
Bill of Exceptions “Jeffrey = vs = Robidoux St Louis Circuit = Be it remember that on the [illegible]
to show cause why the Judgment rendered in this cause should not be
set aside for irregularity the said Robidoux showed for cause nothing but
the record and proceedings in said Cause = The said Jeffrey showed that all
the authority which Rachael Camp who prosecuted said suit as his guard-
ian or next friend had for so doing was derived from an order of which
the following is a copy = Jeffrie by his next friend Rachel Camp = vs =
Joseph Robidoux Robert Wash presents the petition of Jeffrie
praying that he may be permitted to institute a suit against
Joseph Robidoux for establishing his right to freedom and that
he may be permitted to sue as a poor person = thereupon the court
permit the said Jeffrie to sue as aforesaid and direction action
of assault and Battery and false imprisonment to be brought
in the name of the said Jeffrie by his next friend Rachael Camp
against the said Joseph Robidous and it is orderd by the

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**Page 100** (1186_100.jpg)
Court that the said defendant permit the said Jeffrie to have a
reasonable liberty of attending his counsel and the court when
occasion may require it and that the said petitioner shall not be
taken or removed out of the Jurisdiction of this Court or be sub=
ject to any seventy of treatment on account of his application
for freedom = The said Plaintiff also offered to prove that at the time
of the commencement of said suit and at the time of the condition of
the verdict & judgment he was an infant under the age of twen=
ty one years, namely that he was born the fourteenth day of
May 1806 = The Court refused to hear the evidence, discharged
the rule & refused to set aside said judgment for irregularity
To the decisions of the court in refusing to hear the evidence
offered as aforesaid in discharging said rule & refusing to set
aside said judgments said Jeffry excepts & tenders this Bill of
exceptions which is signed and sealed and made part of the
records Will C Carr Seal And afterwards to wit on the
first day of November eighteen hundred and thirty one, was filed
in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuirt Court aforesaid, a transcript of the opinion
of the Supreme Court in this case which is in the words and figures
Opinion Sup Court following to wit " Jeffrie = vs= Robidous = In Error = It appears by
the Record that in the year 1822 Jeffrie the Plaintiff in Error by Rachel
Camp his next friend by Robert Wash Esqr. An Attorney as law
presented his petition to the Circuit Court of St Louis County for leave
to sue as a poor person for his freedom = The leave was granted, the suit
was instituted and the proceedings afterwards were carried on by
Jeffrie & R Camp the next friend by their attorney - a trial was had
verdict and judgment were against Jeffrie , at a subsequient Term
of the court Jeffrie moved the court to set aside the Judgment on
the ground of the proceedings being irregular and produced evi=
dence to show that at the time the suit was instituted & judgment
rendered he was an infant under the age of twenty one years, the
court refused to set the proceedings aside & the whole case is brought
to this court by a writ of Error = The points made by the plaintiff
in error are, that the court erred in refusing to set aside the Judgment for irregularity
Secondly that the plaintiff appeared by a next friend and by at=
torney in the court below do that if he were an infant the

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**Page 101** (1186_101.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Transcript 5*

appearance by an attorney is error, and thirdly that if the record
does not shew the infancy of the Plaintiff then the Court must
take the cour[?] truth to be that Jeffrie was an adult and that an
adult except in cases of coverture cannot appear by a next friend
on the first point it is not entirely clear that the court should have
set the proceedings aside for the irregularity was occasioned by the
act of the plaintiff or by the act of some one who pretended to act for
him, but on the second ground there is manifest error in the judgment
and proceedings = The law is that when an infant has cause of suit
the suit may be commenced by guardian or next friend previous=
ly appointed according to Law & when none has been appointed then
the guardianship or next friend may be made without any other
formality then the next friend acknowledging in open court that
he will act as such, or the evidence may be made by the acknowl-
edgment being in writing and filed with the declaration, no such
evidence exists in this case, there was therefore no lawful pro-
clein any yet one did in fact act - exist= Now if it did appear that
the plaintiff was an infant which it does not it would be error
to appear by an unauthorized person = This person appears by
attorney as well as by next friend, this would also be error if
the plaintiff were an infant, But so far as any thing appears
by the record we are bound to suppose that this person was
not an infant — nothing appears by which we could distin-
guish that this plaintiff was not of age any more than in
other cases except by a subsequent affidavit — in every call
the Court will take every plaintiff and every defendant to
be of full age till the point is made and the evidence heard and
though Judgment be rendered against an infant it is good till
reverses = In this case then for all the purposes for which the
party's age is to be now considered we take the plaintiff to
have been of full age at the time the suit was commenced - It
was unlawful therefore for R Camp to present herself as the
next friend of this man in the way she did = no one has a
right to bring a suit or do the business of another so as to
make his acts binding in Law upon that other person without
his or her consent = It is urged by the counsel for the defendant
in error that this was a proceeding under the statue which

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**Page 102** (1186_102.jpg)
authorized persons holden in slavery to sue as poor persons for freedom
We have no doubt that the proceeding was of that character = The act of
the legislature on that subject provides that when any person holden
in slavery shall wish to prosecute his suit for freedom he or she
shall shall present a petition to the court for leave to sue and if
the court shall be of opinion that the claim to freedom is well
founded, that leave shall be given to the petitioner to sue as a poor
person and the Court shall assign the petitioner Counsel, in this
case no counsel was assigned, but leave is given to sue by his next
friend R Camp = It is assumed that the plaintiff was an infant
and that R Camp was the next friend = This act respecting suits
for freedom leaves the common law as it was before its passage
as to the rights of infants to sue*= *If counsel had been appointed in this case still the question how shall an infant appear would be the subject of consideration. If counsel had been appointed
in this case and no pretended next friend had interfered the
there would have been a binding judgment until coersed= We
cannot see how this Judgment can be supported it is perhaps
both erroneous & irregular- irregularity is no cause of reversal
until the Court below have acted on the irregularity_that has
been done in this case = The Judgment is reversed with costs and
remanded to the Circuit Court for further proceedings= M McGerk
George Tompkins = Judge Wash having been counsel in the cause
gave no opinion = Saturday 30th April 1835 Jeffrey = vs= Joseph Ro=
bidoux Error from St. Louis Circuit Court = And now at this day come
the parties aforesaid by their respective attornies and the court now here being sufficiently advised of and concerning the premises consider that
the Judgement aforesaid in form aforesaid by the said Circuit Court ren=dered be reversed and for nought held and esteemed and it is or-
dered by the Court that the cause be remanded to the said Cir-
cuit Court for further proceedings in said Cause in conformity
with the opinion of this court delivered in this case, and it is
further considered by the court that the said Jeffrey recover of the
said Joseph Robidous his costs and charges by him about the
prosecution of his writ of error in this case expended and that
he have thereof execution = State of Missouri Third Judicial
district [illegible] J Joseph C Brown Clerk of the Supreme Court for
the third Judicial District in the State of Missouri do certify

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**Page 103** (1186_103.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Transcript Part 6*

the foregoing is a true and full copy of the opinion of the said
Court delivered in the said case of Jeffrey = vs = Joseph Robidoux
and of the Judgment of the said Court rendered in the said case
as they remain in my Office Ss In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and seal of office at Office this twenty Eighth
day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred
and thirty one - Jos: C Brown Clerk" = And the said cause was
continued from Term to Term & year to year until the July term
of the said Circuit Court in the year eighteen hundred and thir-
ty six when on the twenty seventh day of August during
said Term the following further proceedings were had = to wit = " Jeffrie
by his next friend Rachael Camp = vs = Joseph Robidoux = The Judge
of this court having been of counsel in various Causes in this court in=
volving the same principles as those contested in this cause it
is ordered that the venue thereof be changed to the county of Jefferson
in the Judicial District Circuit of this State and that
the clerk of this court make out and transmit to the clerk of the
Circuit Court for said county of Jefferson , a complete transcript
of the record and proceeding in said cause together with all the
original papers appertaining to and filed in the same —
State of Missouri
County of St Louis ss I John Ruland Clerk of the Circuit Court
in and for said County certify the foregoing to be a true and com-
plete transcript of the Record and proceedings in the case of Jeffrie
vs = Joseph Robidoux as the same now remain of Record in
my Office

*In testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and affixed the seal of said court
as Office in the City of St Louis this 1st day
of July 1837 Jn. Ruland Clerk*

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**Page 104** (1186_104.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

Jeffrie
vs Joseph Robidoux

*Filed Aug. 8th 1837 A P. Bates Clerk*
|   |   |
|---|---|
| Transcript | $ 4.59 |
| Certft & Seal | .50 |
| | 5.09 |
| | 1.50 |
| Fees John Ruland Clerk St St. Louis Circuit Court | $ 6.59 |

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**Page 105** (1186_105.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Defendant's Answer*

Joseph Robedoux
adm
Jeffery
And the said Robidoux by
his attorny concerned and defends
the wrong and injury when & C. and
says that the said Jeffery ought not to have
or mantain his aforesaid action
therof against him the said Rob-
idoux because he says that the said
Jeffery is his slave, without this that
the said Jeffery at the time of the com
mencement of the said suit was a free
person and of this he the said Rob
idoux puts himself upon
the County &c.

*Snother & Cozing*
> *Legal Function: Defendant's Answer Part 1*

And the said Plff
by his Attorney does the
[illegible]
37[illegible]
109
[illegible]
61
[illegible]
[illegible]

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**Page 106** (1186_106.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

Robidoux
adm
Jeffrey

*filed February 4th 1824 A Gamble Clk
Page 5/9 Book 3*

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**Page 107** (1186_107.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

No39 October Term 1822
Jeffrie
vs
Joseph Robidoux
Hury[?] L Bates Clerk
Jefferson Circuit Court
For including this
[illegible] eight-$ 4.62 1/2
transmitting 30 sides-3.00

*Filed 24th Aug: 1837 John Ruland Clerk*

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**Page 108** (1186_108.jpg)

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**Page 109** (1186_109.jpg)
> *Legal Function: order*

State of Missouri
County of Jefferson SS
Be it rememberer that at the August
Term of the Circuit Court for said County of Jefferson
to wit on Tuesday the eighth day of said month
in the year eighteen hundred and thirty second
was filed in the Office of the Clerk of said Circuit
Court the accompanying transcript of the record
and proceedings in the case of Jeffrie by his next
friend Rachael Camp against Joseph Robidoux .
Commenced in the Circuit Court of St Louis County
and there recovered on our order of change
of venue to the County of Jefferson , and at the
said August Term of said Circuit Court for the
the County of Jefferson on the said eighth day
of August in the year eighteen hundred
and thirty seven the following order was made
in [illegible] cause.
> *Legal Function: Order*

Jeffrie vs Joseph Robidoux
Change of Venue from St Louis
It appearing to the court that
that the change of venue awarded in this cause
had been improperly granted it is ordered that
the same be remembered to the County of St
Louis .
> *Legal Function: Affidavit of Henry Bates*

State of Missouri
County of Jefferson Sct
I Henry P Bates Clerk of
the Circuit Court within and for the County of
Jefferson aforesaid do herby Certyfy the foregoing

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**Page 110** (1186_110.jpg)
to be a true and complete transenpt of the
record and proceedings in the Case of Jeffrie
vs. Joseph Robidoux as the same new remains
of record in my Office.

*In testimony where of I have
here unto set my hand and
affixed my Official Seal
at Henschel[?] avenue this 21st
day of August in the year
one thousand eight hundred
and thirty seven Henry P. Bates Clerk*