DETROIT, Dec. 6, 1848.

DEAR SIR, - One of the most important law-suits has been going on in this city, during the last three weeks, which has ever been brought before the people of this State, in relation to the capture of fugitives from Southern slavery. It is not yet decided, and will not be perhaps for several days to come. We are not lawing against Kentucky alone, but against the combined powers of slavery.

Detroit river is the line between us and Canada, and it is also the great depot of the Northern underground railroad; and if the slaveholders are encouraged with a verdict in this case, they will doubtless make this point their slave-hunting ground.

This day, I saw a person, who is claimed as a runaway slave, called upon the stand as a witness in this case against his master, in the U.S. District Court of Michigan. An hour before the witness appeared, the Courthouse was literally crammed with people of color, who knew the fugitive was to appear on the stand against the Kentucky slaveholders. When the name of Adam [Crosswhite] was called, the court-room door was opened, and he walked into the witness' stand to be sworn.

The slaveholders looked with astonishment, for this was unexpected to them. Just at this moment much excitement prevailed among the witness' friends, supposing that the slaveholders might attempt to pounce upon their prey; but not a dog of them offered to lift his tongue or hand to interfere, except the plaintiff's counsel, who himself must be identified with the African race, judging from his external appearance. He objected to Mr. [Crosswhite's] testimony, on the ground that Kentucky laws do not allow a slave to testify against his master. But it was shown by the defendant's counsel, that the slave laws of Kentucky do not extend over Michigan. So Mr. [Crosswhite] proceeded. He stated that he was born in Kentucky, the slave of his own father, and was sold by him. He came to this State in 1843, and resided in the village of Marshall; moved thence to Canada in 1847, where he now resides. The plaintiff's counsel asked witness no questions at all. - At the time witness left the stand, a rush was made to the door with [Mr. Crosswhite], by the colored citizens, who soon conveyed him across the Detroit river into Canada.

Adam [Crosswhite] is a bright mulatto man, about forty-five years of age, and his wife is about fifty. The slaveholders have stated, under oath, in this court, that the above family was the property of Francis Giltner, of Carroll County, Kentucky, and that they are runaway slaves. Francis Troutman, Esq., was sent as the agent of Mr. Giltner, to bring them back into captivity. He found them in this State, but swears that he was prevented from taking them by an abolition mob. This is the basis upon which they have entered this suit against certain citizens of this State, for the sum of twenty-seven hundred dollars worth of property.

Ever true to the cause of Freedom,

H. BIBB.

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Updated 06/12/2007

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