John W. Williams papers, 1835 June-July

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Summary

Creator:
Williams, John W.
Abstract:
This collection consists of legal documents, correspondence, case argument outlines, notes on the testimony of witnesses, and other documents compiled by Philadelphia attorney John W. Williams during his representation of Robert Aitken before the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas against Mary Gilmore in June-July 1835. Aitken alleged that Gilmore, a young woman living in Philadelphia with her adoptive father, was Emily Winder, an person enslaved by Aitken who disappeared from his home at the age of 8 or 9 in 1825.
Extent:
0.1 Linear Feet
32 Items
Language:
Material in English
Collection ID:
RL.01389

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of legal documents, correspondence, case argument outlines, notes on the testimony of witnesses, and other documents compiled by Philadelphia attorney John W. Williams during his representation of Robert Aitken before the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas against Mary Gilmore in June-July 1835. Aitken alleged that Gilmore, a young woman living in Philadelphia with her adoptive father, was Emily Winder, an person enslaved by Aitken who disappeared from his home at the age of 8 or 9 in 1825.

Evidence-related documents include a copy of Milly Winder's manumission papers; affidavits attesting Aitken's ownership of Emily Winder, including details about her age and physical appearance; a copy of the original "Ten Dollar Reward" offer for Emily's return that Aitken had published in August 1825; and affidavits attesting to the character of Robert Aitken and his brother James Aitken. Additional legal documents include a subpoena and other documents related to witness Maria Congo's appearance in court, and warrants of arrest and removal issued against Emily Winder in June 1835.

Williams' notes include outlines of his arguments, questions for witnesses, and his notes on case law and witness testimonies. The collection also includes a newspaper clipping of an article reprinted from the Philadelphia Inquirer concerning the case.

Acquisition information:
The John W. Williams papers were received by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book Manuscript Library as a gift in 1973.
Processing information:

Processed by Rubenstein Library staff, 1973

Encoded by Jessica Carew, May 2012

Accession(s) described in this finding aid: 1973

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Contents

Using These Materials

Using These Materials Links:

Using These Materials

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.

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Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], John W. Williams Papers, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.

Permalink:
https://idn.duke.edu/ark:/87924/m1m43c