The Liberator

A Runaway Slave "Operating In Gold."

A remarkable case in the Police Court in Cincinnati is reported in the Gazette. A slave named Louis Stratton recently ran away from his master, John G. Barrett, of Louisville, taking with him three thousand dollars of Barrett's money, in gold, and made his way to Cincinnati, where he deposited the specie at the banking house of Gilmore, Dunlap & Co. A few days ago, Barrett discovered the whereabouts of his ex-slave Louis, and had him arrested. The charge of theft was heard before Justice Warren at the Police Court, and by advice of his counsel, Louis pleaded guilty to taking the money, but set up the defence that he had been guilty of no crime. A slave who in Kentucky steals his master's property is not deemed guilty of larceny. He had committed no offence against the laws of Ohio, and was charged with none. The repeal of the Fugitive Slave law prevented his return to his master under its provisions, and a requisition from Governor Bramlette could not reach him. Last Saturday the Justice rendered his decision, dismissing the negro, whose money, now his own, is still safe in the bank. His capital to start in a life of freedom, at the present price of gold, is therefore about $6,000.