Slaves on Trial for Aiding the Indians 1840

I have this in my book, “Alachua Ambush,” Chapter 11.
Slaves George and Joe from Col. John Hanson’s plantation near St. Augustine are arrested for supplying gunpowder, aid and supplies, to the Seminole/Miccosukee warriors.
A grand jury is organized with over 30 witnesses. Col. Hanson complains that his slaves were arrested by an army officer instead of the marshal. Eventually, evidence is circumstantial, and George and Joe are released back to their plantation.
Sources:
Army Adjutant General letters received, 1840, A204, page 13, 18-20, 36, 39; A192 Enclosure; A234, page 11, 12, 29, 30.
Newspapers:
The Wetumpka Argus, Dec. 16,1840
The Camden Journal (South Carolina) Jan. 20, 1841
The Richmond Enquirer, Nov. 13, 1840 & Jan. 9, 1841.
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And many of the other books that I sometimes show on my videos; either historic reprints or modern works, are available through the Seminole Wars Foundation www.seminolewars.org
My blog: (Seldom updated.)
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[@sawmillmatt1]

It’s good to see you, I’ve been wondering where you were! 😂

[@slartybarfastb3648]

As was common in the early 1800s South, states recently acquired were administered as military districts. Particularly during the Creek and Seminile Wars, the military absolutely held authority to arrest and hold combatants and suspected conspirators. Habeus Corpus applied only to citizens.

[@slartybarfastb3648]

@@seminolewar I know nothing about Col Hanson, but would also point out that, in the 1840s, piracy, smuggling and privateering were still present in the Caribbean and Seaboard. Something about this story leads me to believe this gentleman may have been involved in more than simple plantation life.