John McLean

“ It is probable that the sum allowed by the master exceeded, considerably, the actual money received for the hire of the slaves. But the negligence or want of attention by Bennett, in giving indulgence of the slaves, or infailing to have them suitably employed, should not excuse him from an equitable charge of what they could have earned. ”

“ The defendant having possession of the slaves, and an entire control over them, was bound to exercise a reasonable diligence in keeping them engaged in useful employments, so as not only to pay their necessary expenses, but also to obtain a reasonable compensation for their labor. That he treated them with humanity, provided for their wants, and made them comfortable, is not sufficient. Nor is it a sufficient excuse for him to say that he managed the slaves as they had been managed by Amis, their master. ”

“ The court made an interlocutory decree, that the bill of sale was a mortgage, and that the complainants had a right to redeem, &c.,; and James Love was appointed to take an account of the amount due Bennett on the mortgage, and also to take an account of the hire of the negro slaves in the possession and under the control of Bennett; and the master was directed to credit him with any extraordinary expenditures which were necessary on account of the health of the negroes, and also for rearing the children, &c. ”