"An Unfounded Claim": Bishop Carroll berates the President of Georgetown College for his claims of ownership over the people enslaved at Bohemia, Dec. 1807

"An Unfounded Claim": Bishop Carroll berates the President of Georgetown College for his claims of ownership over the people enslaved at Bohemia, Dec. 1807

Slaves--United States--Economic conditions, Jesuits--History--19th century; Catholic Church-Clergy-Correspondence

In a letter from Bishop Carroll to Rev. Molyneaux dated December 29, 1805, Carroll berates the current president of the College for his claims of owning the people enslaved at Bohemia.

In 1801, the Proceedings of the Corporation resolved that "The management of Bohemia estate be put into the hands of the President of the College of George Town, as the income of said estate has been heretefore granted to the benefit of said College." Molineaux used this resolution for his claim of ownership. However, he was rebuffed by Carroll, who reminded him that in property law the accessory always follows the principal.

Maryland Province Archives

Georgetown Slavery Archive

1807-12

Elsa Barraza Mendoza

Georgetown University Library

For more information on the dispute see Thomas Hughes, SJ History of the Society of Jesus In North America Colonial and Federal, Vol 2. New York: Green and Co. 1908.

PDF

English with a latin axiom.

Manuscript

GSA101

Balt^e Dec. 29- 1807 

Rev. And respected Sir.

 Rev

             I am sorry for having delayed so long an answer to your favours of the 17-  No answer yet from Rome, tho I can have no doubt, after the assurances given to me, of the Propĝda, who yet holds a great proportion of their income, allowing the money. My engagement to you was, to pay it at Xmass if the Propĝda did not. But  This was done in full confidence of receiving my rents from Bohemia, from which estate not one penny has yet come into my hands, since it was assigned to me, except one hog about a week ago- The only mode of payment therefore left me is, first, an order on the agent Mr F. Neale for $100 (for which this letter may suffice). He owes that sum on account for refunding to me of fifty dollars for the ord of 1807, and the like sum for that of 17^808-

2^ly by placing Johnny Weeks on Mr. Eyck’s foundation from the time of its being vacant, which your books will show. The balance shall be sent as soon after as possible and I cannot doubt of soon receiving a good remittance from the tenants.

Mr. Beeston informs me, that you claim the negroes of that estate, who are hired here, this seems to be an unfounded claim for undoubtedly they follow the destination of the rest of the property, as much as if any black people were hired out from St Inigo, they would belong to the College.-

Accessorium sequitur principale is an axiom in law and philosophy.

[page2]

I have received a short letter from the Rev. Fr. Gen^l , dated at Petersburg in August, assuring the Bishop, yourself and all his dear Brethren of his fervent wishes for their happiness and promising to send two more subjects next year . Accept for yourself, and all your companions, masters and novices of the compliments of the season.- I am respectfully, R^dDr Sir

[Signature John Carroll] B of B-

[Envelope]

Rev. Mr. Rob^t Molyneaux, Presid.^t

Of the College

George Town

Col^a     

Manuscript