Appolline and Anthony Dupuys, free persons of color, represent that they are the “natural,” i.e., illegitimate, children of Antoine [Antoñio] Dupuys of the city of Sto. Domingo, “island of Hispaniola.” They explain that, before dying, their father entrusted his friend, P. Sacriste, with their care, to ensure their happiness and their “legal rights to the small portion of property which he would leave after his death.” After Antoine's death in 1807, Sacriste took possession of his friend’s property and moved to New Orleans, where he opened a confectioner’s shop. He took Appolline and Anthony with him, as well as two estate slaves named Bazile and Jeanne. Once in New Orleans, Sacriste neglected to care for his wards and refused them “the strict necessary” of life. He also hired out the slaves and refused to give them back to Appolline and Anthony, alleging they were mortgaged to him on account of an unpaid loan of $1,400. Appolline and Anthony therefore seek the restoration of their slaves, which are now three in number, Jeanne having given birth to a son named Theophile. Fearful that Sacriste may remove the slaves from the jurisdiction of the court, Appolline and Anthony also ask the court for a writ of sequestration for the duration of the trial.
Result: Partially granted.
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Repository: New Orleans Public Library, New Orleans, Louisiana
