The State of Missouri, County of St. Louis } ss. The State of Missouri to the City Marshal of the City of St. Louis, County of St. Louis & State of Missouri, Greeting:
It appearing on information of George Hanley under oath in above accompanying recited complaint under his oath, that a certain male slave, named John Black alias Crawley is at present at large in said County without the knowledge or consent of his owner: these are therefore to command you forthwith to deliver said slave John Black alias Crawley to the common jail of said county and the Jailor thereof is hereby required to receive & safely keep said slave in the jail aforesaid; until reclaimed by his alleged master, Stephen Gardier of State of Louisiana or until he be otherwise dealt with according to law.
Given under my hand & seal on this 1st day of May, A.D., 1856.
John Black., J.P.,
Seal
In the Law Commissioner's Court of St. Louis County.
In the matter of John Crawley
Petition for "Habeas Corpus."
Decker, Atty. for Petitioner.
