1Agreement with Benjamin Grayson Orr, [27 July] 1801 (Madison Papers)
It is agreed by the parties subscribing vizt. James Madison & Benjn G. Orr, that Plato the slave of the said Orr is to serve the said Madison for five years from this date during which time the said Orr nor any other person in his or any other right but his the said Madisons, Shall exercise any Kind of rights ownership or controul over the said Plato, who is to be & remain for the term of...
2To James Madison from Benjamin Grayson Orr, 25 June 1802 (Madison Papers)
I am greatly surprized at Mr. Merewether Jones’s application to you about Plato. I know not how true his accot. may be, but this I know most perfectly that one of the Gentlemen to whom he says the mortgage was given was present when the sale was made to me & when I recd. him. They both saw me very frequently about that time & the servant in my possession. Mr Skelton Jones has been often at my...
3To James Madison from Benjamin Grayson Orr, 28 June 1802 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed letter from Mr Walter Jones is the result of my consultation with him on the subject of the negro Plato. I beg you to consult your own convenience entirely in your determination in this business—except a voluntary surrender of the property to the present Claimant, I am willing to do any thing that you will suggest. With great esteem I am Dr Sir Yr. mo Obedt Servt RC ( DLC )....
4To James Madison from Benjamin Grayson Orr, 7 November 1816 (Madison Papers)
A distrust, which existed during my Contract for the eighth military district, and by which I suffered very much, I flattered myself had been entirely extinguished, by the thorough investigations that Subject had undergone & by the regular & peaceable execution of two Subsequent contracts which had been granted to me. I flatter myself it exists now no where, but in the breasts of those, who...