Summary

On April 5, 1781, Guillermo Guignan discovered that enslaver Meuillon’s chicken coop was on fire, and put out the fire with the assistance of some local regidores. A series of testimony from white vecinos, free mulatos, and free and enslaved negros attempted to determine responsibility for the fire. While some testimony simply attempted to clear one’s own name or lack of knowledge of the event, others attempted to name Magnon, an adult negro esclavo of the Senegal nation, as the arsonist. Magnon, who allegedly set fire to another enslaver’s house in the past and fled to the mountains, likely fled once more to escape jailing and questioning regarding the event. This document is part of a series of documents related to the fire, or potentially multiple fires, which were set at the homes of enslavers in April of 1781. In the case of the fire set to Meuillon’s property, testimony also alleges the involvement of 13-year-old Carlota, negra esclava, who was declared guilty in setting fire to the courtyard of her own enslaver’s home.

Transcription
Translation
Notes

Transcription (Spanish, diplomatic)

[folio 1 recto] [digital 2]

Ano 1781

Dilig^~ [Diligencias] practicada sobre Descubrim^to de los reo o complises en el incendio que principio el las casa de M.^r Meullion de cinco de Ab.^l de este año

[symbol]

No. 3515 [handwritten, modern, in blue pencil] #639 [handwritten, modern, in pencil] Apr - 5 - 1781

[folio 1 verso] [digital 3]

[blank]

[folio 2 recto] [digital 4]

En La Ciudad de la Nueva Orleans a cinco de Avril mil siete ciento ochenta y un años: el S^r D.ⁿ Guido Dufossat Alcalde ordinario del segundo voto de esta Ciudad, y su juridicion por Su Magestad: Digo q.^e acaba de dar noticia por varios vecinos q.^e en este instante q.^e seran las doze y media del Dia se ha en cuentrado un poco de fuego prendido en el galinero de M^r Meullion, en cuya virtud mando su mrd q.^e para averiguar el hecho y Descubrirse los complices, y reos se proceda a tomar las declaraciones de las personas q.^e puedan tener conocimiento sobre el asunto, poniendo se presos los delinquentes, embargando les sus Bienes, y poder este q.^e [que] Su mrd [Merced] proveio [proveyo] asi Lo mando y firmo de q.^e [que] el Es.^no [Escribano] Doy fe ___ [signed] Dufossat

Ante mi [signed] Leonardo Mazange [rubric] E.s^no P^co

[handwritten, modern, in blue pencil] # 639

Eincontinente mando su mrd comparecer ante si D.ⁿ Juan Carriere vecino de esta Ciudad de quien ante mi el pres.^te Es^no recivio el juram.^to conforme a dro quien lo hizo por Dios con una Señal

[folio 2 verso] [digital 5]

de Cruz, lo cuyo cargo prometio Decir verdad y examinado segun el tenor del auto de Cabeza, se le pregunto lo siguiente ___

Preguntado si tiene conocimiento q.^e cerca de los doze y media se havia encendido fuego a la casa de M.^r Meuillon, o, en algunos edificios de su patio Digo q.^e haviendo sido llamado por D.ⁿ Guillermo Guignan, le dio parte q.^e viendo el fuego en el patio de M.^r Meullon, le rugava de ir con el para apagar lo, y q.^e en efecto viendo lo, fue fuego con el, y haviendo sabido encima del gallinero de dho M.^r Meuillon, ha hechado en dho fuego mas de treinta cubos de agua, y por vino con mucho trabajo a apagar lo, y q^e haciendo presentadose Los S. ^res [Señores] Caballeros Regidores D.ⁿ Fran^co Maria de Reggio, D.ⁿ Joseph Ducros, y D.ⁿ Juan Arnoul mandaron descomponer Dho Galinero para evitar q.^e Dho fuego se comunique en otras partes, lo q.^e se hizo Luego, y responde ___

Preguntado si ha visto alguna persona sospecho rodear cerca de dha casa, o dentro de su patio, y si save circumstancias tocantes al hecho Dijo q.^e no y q.^e lo q.^e tiene declarado es la verdad bajo de su juram.^to hecho, y firmo con su mrd de q.^e yo el Es.^no Doy Fe [signed] Dufossat

Ante Mi [signed] Leonardo Mazange [rubric] Es.^no P^co

Carriere, y los S.^res Cavalleros D.ⁿ Fran.^co Maria de Reggio, D.ⁿ Juan Arnoul al efecto de ir con el en Dha casa para q.^e contribueyesen a la extinction de dho fuego, y q.^e efectivam.^te haviendo se transportado luego M^r Carriere con los Dhos S^res y al instante Dho Carriere subio encima el gallinero encendido, y con el agua q.^e le dio el declarante, se apago dho fuego con mucho trabajo, y para evitar su progreso, los expresados S.^res Cavalleros regidores mandaron deshacer dho galinero, lo q.^e se executo Luego y responde ___

Preguntado si vio en el patio de dha casa, o al rededor de ella pasear alguna persona sospechosa, y se tiene sospecha contra algunas, y si save algunas otras

[folio 3 verso] [digital 7]

circumstancias tocantes al hecho, y si piensa q.^e Dho fuego provenia de Dentro, o de fuera de dho Galinero, dijo q.^e al parecer provenia de afuera, pero q.^e no vio nadie de sospechoso rodear, y q.^e no sospecha nadie de haver puesto dho fuego y q.^e no save mas q.^e lo q.^e ha declarado es la verdad bajo de su juram.^to hecho, q.^e es de edad de quarenta años, y firmo con su mrd de q.^e yo el Es.^no Doy fe ___ [signed] Dufossat

Ante Mi [signed] Leonardo mazange [rubric] Es.^no P^co

Eincontinente mando su mrd comparecer ante li D.ⁿ Luis Boisdore vecino de esta Ciudad de quien ante mi el pres.^te Es.^no recivio el juram.^to conforme a Dro quien lo hizo a Dios con uno Senal de Cruz bajo del qual prometio a Dios Decir verdad, y examinado segun el auto de Cabeza, Dijo a las preguntas que sa le hizieron lo siguiente ___

Preguntado, si tiene Conocimiento del fuego q.^e se prendio en el Galinero de M.^r Meuillon, y Si sospecha alguna persona de haver cometido dho delito, o si tiene algun indicio q.^e pueda conducir al conocimiento del hecho dijo q.^e no save otra cosa, si no q.^e hoy pasando en frente de dha casa, vio una negra de M.^r Meuillon llevar efectos q.^e sacava de dho

[folio 4 recto] [digital 8]

patio, y con ellos se iva a la levée; y q.^e no save
mas, q.^e lo q.^e ha declarado es la verdad bajo de su
juram.^to hecho q.^e de edad de quarenta y cinco
años y firmo con su mrd de q.^e yo el Es^no Doy
fe
[signed] Dufossat

Ante mi
[signed] Leonardo mazange [rubric]
Es.^no P.^co

Eincontinente su mrd hizo comparecer ante si
la negra fran.^ca perteniciente a M.^r Meuillon aus.^te
de su casa, de quien ante mi el pres.^te Es.^no recivio el juram.^to conforme a Dro, quien lo hizo con uno Señal de Crux, bajo del qual prometio a Dios decir verdad sobre lo q.^e se le preguntara, cita anteced.^te ___

Preguntada quien la visito hoy, y la noche pasada
Dijo q.^e nadia la visito en uno, y otro tiempo, y respon.^de ___

Preguntada q.^e efectos llevaba hoy a la levée, dijo q.^e llevava los efectos de la mulata libre Fran.^ca q.^e consistian en unas ropas
y q.^e la piragua donde se pusieron, pertenecia a Antonio Pinau q.^e iva en el puesto de los Natches, y respond.^e ___

Preguntada donde iva la mulata; y q.^e motivo tenia
para irse dijo q.^e en la habitación de M.^r
Meuillon para hazer curarse de una enfermedad
q.^e tenia y Responde ___

[folio 4 verso] [digital 9]

Preguntada quien tenia costumbre de visitar dha mulata, Dijo q.^e la visitaba ordinariam.^te M^r Antonio
Pino y responde ___

Preguntada desde quando tenia Dha mulata deseo
de irse, y si se iva con Dho Antonio Pino, dijo q.^e no
save, y responde ___

Preguntada si en los terrenos inmediatos a el de su
Amo, vio alguna persona rodear, o en frente de su
Casa, dijo q.^e no, y responde ___

Preguntada si hoy, o, los dias pasados la dha mulata
quejarse de alguna persona blanca, o negra dijo
q.^e no, y q.^e aunq^e se le hicieron varias preguntas
tocantes al hecho dijo no saver mas, q.^e no puede
presumir donde viene dho fuego, por no haberse entonces en su Chimenea, como lo vio su mrd [merced] el S.^r
Alcade en dho tiempo, y q.^e lo q.^e ha declarado es la
verdad bajo de su jura.^to hecho q.^e es de edad de
cincuenta años, y no firmo por no saver, lo hizo su
mrd de q.^e yo el Es.^no Doy fe
[signed] Dufossat

Ante Mi
[signed] Leonardo Mazange [rubric]
Es.^no P^co

Eincontinente Su mrd hizo comparecer ante
Si la mula mulata libre nombrada Maria Fran.^ca de quien ante mi el pres.te Es.^no recivio el juramen^to conforme a Dro quien

[folio 5 recto] [digital 10]

lo hizo con uno Senal de Crux, bajo del qual prometio
a Dios decir verdad, y examinada segun la cita anteced.^te
Dijo a las preguntas q.^e se le hicieron lo Siguiente ___

Preguntada donde tiene su morada en esta Ciudad, y
desde q.^to tiempo vino a ella, dijo q.^e el la casa de M^r
Meullion, y desde doze Dias, y responde ___

Preguntada si tiene licencia de M^r Meuillon para
quedar en dha casa, y si tenia mucha Ropa en ella
Dijo q.^e M^r Meuillon le havia concedido Dha licencia, y q.^e sus efectos consistian en ropas, y todo lo q.^e conviene para su utilidad, y a mas su cama, y responde___

Preguntada si quito de Dha casa Alguna Casa, y desde q.^e tiempo
Dijo q.^e esta mañana quito su ropa en parte para embarcar en una piragua q.^e pertenecia a M^r Antonio Pino, y q.^e le havia prometido el pasage por la habitación de M^r Meuillon, y responde ___

Preguntada quien la visitaba Dha casa de M.^r
Meillon, y quien tenia costumbres de frequentar la negra
Fran.^ca esclava de Susodho Dijo q.^e el Dho Antonio la visitava las noches, pero q.^e no vio nadie visitar dha negra y responde ___

Preguntada quien la visito Donde para ahora este M^r
Antoine, y donde iva dijo q.^e es cargando su piragua
y q.^e va a las Natchéz, y responde ___

Preguntada donde estava, q.^do prendio el fuego, dijo q.^e

[folio 5 verso] [digital 11]

No estava en casa, q.^e havia ido en la de M^r
De l’Isle para efectuar algunas comisiones q.^e tenia
por algunos vecinos de la Punta Cortado y
responde ___

Preguntada quien tiene su morada en Dha casa
con la negra Fran.^ca de Meuillon, dijo q.^e una
negra libre nombrada mariana tiene su marada en ella
con licencia de dho M^r Meuillon, y responde___

Preguntada si sospecha donde puede proceder
Dho fuego dijo q.^e no, y q.^e no save mas, y q.^e lo q.^e tiene declarado es la verdad bajo de su juram.^to
hecho q.^e es de edad de quarenta y cinco años,
y no firmo por no saver lo hizo su mrd de q.^e yo el Es.^no Doy Fe
Emendado: quien la visita: no vale = LM
[signed] Dufossat

Ante mi
[signed] Leonardo Mazange [rubric]
Es.^no P^co

Eincontinente su mrd hizo comparecer ante si
la negra libre nombrada Mariana de quien
recivio ante mi el pres.^te Es^no el juran.^to conforme a Dro quien lo hizo con uno Señal De Crux
Bajo del qual prometio a Dios decir verdad, y examinada segun el tenor de la cita anteced.^te y del auto de Cabeza, dijo a las preguntas q.^e

[folio 6 recto] [digital 12]

se le hicieron lo siguiente ___

Preguntada desde q.^e tiempo tiene su morada
en la casa de M^r Meuillon, y con q.^e licencia
Dijo q.^e hay mucho tiempo, y q.^e con licencia del
referido, y responde ___

Preguntada si desde algunos dias, mudo sus ropas,
y otros efectos de dha casa, dijo q.^e no, y q.^e todo lo q.^e le pertenece queda ahora misma en dha casa y
responde ___

Preguntada si en el tiempo q.^e el fuego prendio
estava dentro de dha casa, dijo q.^e estava en su
quarto, haziendo su comida, y
responde ___

Preguntada si vio en dha casa, o en su patio algun
hombre blanco, o negro, q.^e no vio en aquel dia
si no las personas q.^e vinieron a apagar el fuego
y responde ___

Preguntada, si presume quien puede haver cometido
el Delito de encendario, Dijo q.^e haciendo visto
nadie, ni tampoco haver oido hablar sobre el
asunto, no puede tener sospecha ninguna, y aun
q.^e se le hicieron varias preguntas tocantes al
hecho, dijo no saver mas, y q.^e lo tiene declarado
es la verdad bajo de su juramen.^to q.^e es de edad
de sesenta años, y no firmo por no saver
[signed] Dufossat

Ante mi
[signed] Leonardo Mazange [rubric]
Es^no P^co

[folio 6 verso] [digital 13]

Eincontinente su mrd hizo su mrd hizo comparecer ante si el nombrado Antonio Pino
vecino de esta Ciudad de quien ante mi pres^te Es.^no se recivio el juramen.^to con forme a Dro, quien
lo hizo con uno Señal de Crux, bajo del qual
prometio decir verdad, y examinado segun
el tenor del auto de Cabeza, y de las citas anteced.^tes __

Preguntado si hay mucho tiempo q.^e conoce la
mulata libre nombrada Maria Fran.^ca dijo q.^e
hay diez años, y responde ___

Preguntado hazia transferir sus ropas en su
piragua, dijo q.^e los llevo por orden de dha mulata
para entregar las á M^r Charloi Beauvois vecino
de la Punta Cortada y responde ___

Preguntado si la negra Fran.^ca de M^r Meuillon no
remitio algunos efectos en su piragua de la parte
de dha mulata, dijo q.^e no lo save por haver sido
ausente de dha piragua todo este dia, y resp.^de ___

Preguntado si dha mulata devia irse con el
en algun puesto, o, habitacion, dijo q.^e devia ir
con el a la habitacion de Meuillon pero q.^e siendo
demaziado cargado, havia el declarante mudado
de pensamiento, y responde ___

Preguntado si havia convenido de dar la

[folio 7 recto] [digital 14]

pasaje en su piragua para conducirla
a la habitacion de M^r Meuillon dijo q.^e lo
hablo cerca de las nueve del dia, y q.^e le
havia prometido dho pasage, pero q.^e por
ser demaziado cargado, mudo de pensamiento, y responde ___

Preguntado si vio alguna persona pasear
en frente de la dha casa y patio Durante este
dia, dijo q.^e no, y responde ___

Preguntado lo q.^e presume del fuego q.^e sucedio
hoy en la casa de M^r Meuillon, y si sospecha
alguna persona, dijo q.^e no, y q.^e no conoce
mucha gente en la Ciudad por ser viajante
y responde ___

Preguntado si save algunas circunstancias relativas
al hecho, dijo no saver, y q.^e lo q.^e tiene
declarado es la verdad bajo de su juram.^to
hecho, q.^e es de edad de quarenta y cinco años
Y no firmo por no saver lo hizo su mrd de
q.^e yo el Es.^no Doy Fe___
[signed] Dufossat

Ante Mi
[signed] Leonardo Mazange [rubric]
Es.^no P^co

Eincontinente Su mrd hizo comparecer
ante si el negro libre Fran.^co Brantan
de quien ante mi el pres.^te Es.^no recivio el

[folio 7 verso] [digital 15]

el juram.^to conforme a Dro quien lo hizo
con uno Señal de Crux bajo del qual prometio
a Dios decir verdad, y examinando segun
el tenor del auto de Cabeza, y sumaria ___

Preguntado si tiene algun conocimiento del fuego
q.^e prendio en el galinero de M^r Meuillon
su vecino inmediato, dijo no tener otro conocimiento,
sino de haver auxiliado a M^r Carriere
para apagar lo, y q.^e no save otra circumstancia y responde ___

Y aunq.^e se le hizieron varias preguntas tocantes al hecho, dijo no saver nada y q.^e lo q.^e tiene declarado es la verdad bajo de su juram.^to q.^e es de edad de cincuenta años, y no firmo por no saver lo hizo su mrd de q.^e yo
El Es.^no Doy Fe____
[signed] Dufossat

Ante Mi
[signed] Leonardo Mazange [rubric]
Es.^no P.^co

Incontinenty su mrd hizo comparecer ante si
a una negrita nombrada Carlota, esclava de
Fran.^co Brantan, de quien su mrd por ante
Mi el Es.^no recivio juram.^to que lo hizo
por Dios y la Cruz segun Dro lo cuio cargo

[folio 8 recto] [digital 16]

prometio decir verdad y sele hicieron
las preguntas siguientes ___

Preguntada si tiene conocim.^to del fuego
que se puso y prendio en las casas de
M^r Meuillon, Dijo que sí; y que el dho
fuego se puso como al medio dia por el negro
Magnan que estava en el terreno de
Fran.^co Estimado, vecino de las Allemanes,
y que vio que dho negro echo un pedazo
de fuego ensima se Gallinero de
M^r Meuillon y que poco despues
se encendio y responde ___

Preguntada si save aque nacion es el
dho negro, a quien pertenece, y si duerme
en el quarto de la declarante: Dijo
que el dho negro es de nacion Senegal,
que no save el nombre a su amo pero
que este tiene su morada en la casa
de S.^r Salomon Maline en una
sala baja de ella q.^e nunca ha
Dormido en el quarto a la Declar.^te

[folio 8 verso] [digital 17]

y q.^e solo lo conoce por haver venido junto
a esta Prov.^a y en la misma embarcac.ⁿ

Preguntada si tiene conocimiento que el
dho negro u otro hubieren atentado en otra
ocasion de poner fuego en alg.^a otra parte,
Dijo que sí, que hay algunos días que
el dho negro le dijo en presencia de
Arrieta negra esclava de su Mad^me
Andry que él con su amo havian atentado
poner fuego e incendiar la casa de M^r
Caillo pero que al tiempo que lo ponian con un tiron fueron descubiertos por la Patrulla y q.^e hizieron fuga al monte y que al dia siguiente temprano volvieron a la Ciudad y responde ___

Y aunq.^e se le hicieron otras preguntas y repreguntas al caso tocantes a todas Dijo que lo que llevava declarado es la verdad en cargo de su juramento Dho que es de edad de

[folio 9 recto] [digital 18]

trece años no firmó por que
Dijo no saver lo hizo su mrd de que
Doy Fe___
[signed] Dufossat

Ante Mi
[signed] Leonardo Mazange [rubric]
Es.^no P.^co

Incontinenty su mrd hizo comparecer ante
si a la negra nombrada Arrieta, esclava
de M.^me Andry, seg.ⁿ su mrd [Su Merced] por ante
mi el Essno [Escribano] le recibió juram.^to que lo hizo
por Dios y la cruz segun dho su cuio cargo
prometió decir verdad y se le hicieron las
preguntas siguientes ___

Preguntada si estava presente quando el
negro Magnan Dijo a la negra Carlota
esclava de Fran.^co Brantan que él con su
amo havian atentado el poner fuego
e incendiar la casa de M. Caille
pero que al tiempo que lo ponian
con un tiron fueron Descubiertos
por la Patrulla e hisiera fuga

[folio 9 verso] [digital 19]

al monte havia la mañana siguiente
que bolvieron a esta ciudad Dijo que es
cierto que dho negro dijo a la Carlota
negra esclava de Fran.^co Branta lo mismo
que el le pregunto y responde ___

Preguntado si rento no dio parte a su
amo Dijo que no por q.^e el dho negro le
rogó de no rebelarlo a nadie y responde ___

Preguntado De q.^e nacion es dho negro
y si conoce a su amo; Dijo que dho
negro es de nacion Senegal esclavo de
un Yngles que no save su nombre que
hay tiempo q.^e bajo a esta Cuidad; y lo habinto
hablar con la dha Carlota, y q.^e ella le
ha dicho a la declarante que el dho
negro intentava poner el fuego en
alguna parte pero que no fijo donde
y responde ___

Preguntada si save con que persona
tenia maior comunicac.ⁿ dho negro Dijo
Que cree q.^e este vive en el quarto dela

[folio 10 recto] [digital 20]

Negra therisa perteneciente a M.^me Dubrevil
por haverlo visto muchas vecez
en compañía de esta y q.^e nunca lo ha
Visto con otra pers.^a y responde ___

Se le hicieron otras preguntas al caso tocantes
atodas Dijo lo mismo y que lo q.^e
lleva Declarado es la verdad en cargo de
su Juram.^to que en verdad de quinze
Años no firmo por q.^e dijo no saver lee
Todo lo qual Doy fe su mrd [Su Merced]
de q.^e tambien Doy Fe______
[signed] Dufossat

Ante Mi
[signed] Leonardo Mazange [rubric]
Es^no P^co

Incontinentey fue mrd hizo comparecer
ante si a la negra Theresa en la casa
De M^me Dubreuil de quien su mrd [Su Merced] por
Ante mi el essno [Escribano] le recivio juramento
que lo hizo [jur Dios] y la crus segun
Dro lo cuio cargo prometio Decir verdad
y examinada jure tenor de la
cita q.^e le frase la negra Cinnieta
esclava de M.^me Andry y demas
q.^e le tendra por conbeniente Dijo

[folio 10 verso] [digital 21]

Dijo q.^e solo lo conose por haverlo visto
Una ves hablar con Carlota esclava
De Fran.^co Brantar y con la Negra
Arrieta en la puertas de la casa
del dho Brantan y responde ___

Preguntada q.^e Dia Dijo que la maña
ma del en q.^e acaerio el fuego ^[prim.a] en las
caras de M.^r Meuillon, y tambien
lo vio hablar con las ante dhas antes
de Ayer poco antes de descubierto
El segundo fuego en la misma casa de M.^r Meuillon y responde ___

Preguntada preguntada como se llama
dho negro Dijo llamarse Magnin
de Nacia Senegal y que es esclavo
de M.^r Bolodue y responde ___

Peguntada si dho negro o alg^a otra
pers.^a le ha ablado sobre dho fuego
O [entencia] de ponerlo Dijo q.^e a nadie
ha oído hablar sobre tal asunto
y responde ___

Y aun q.^e se le hicieron
Otras preguntas y repregunta

[folio 11 recto] [digital 22]

alcaso tocante Dijo no tener otra
Cosa q.^e lo q.^e lleva Declarado es la verdad
En cargo de su juramen.^to dho q.^e es verdad
De treinta años no firmo por que
Dijo no saver lo hizo su mrd de que
Doy Fee___
[signed] Dufossat

Ante Mi
[signed] Leonardo Mazange [rubric]
Es.^no P^co

[folio 11 verso] [digital 23]

[blank]

[folio 12 recto] [digital 24] [blank]

[folio 12 verso] [digital 25] [blank]

Translation (English, modern)

[folio 1 recto] [digital 2]

Year 1781

Proceedings reported about the discovery of the accused or accomplices in the fire that began in the house of Monsieur Meullion [on] the fifth of April of this year

[symbol]

No. 3515 [handwritten, in modern blue pencil] #639 [handwritten, modern, in pencil] Apr - 5 - 1781

[folio 1 verso] [digital 3]

[blank]

[folio 1 recto] [digital 4]

In the City of New Orleans on the fifth of April, 1781: Don Guido Duffossat, Alcalde ordinario del segundo1, and by jurisdiction of His Majesty: I state that I have just received notice by various citizens that at 12:30 in the afternoon, a small fire was found in the chicken coop of Monsieur Meullion, in whose virtue I ask Your Grace to find the fact[s] and discover the accomplices and the accused, then proceed to take the statements of persons who may have knowledge of the matter, imprisoning the offenders, [and] confiscating their properties, and for this reason that His Grace provided, he ordered and signed, of which I the notary do attest the [signed] Dufossat

Before me, [signed] Leonardo Mazange [rubric] Public Notary

[handwritten, modern, in blue pencil] # 639

Immediately His Grace ordered to appear before him Don Juan Carriere, property owner of this city whom before me, the present Notary, received the oath in accordance with the law, who made before God a sign

[folio 2 verso] [digital 5]

of the cross, who promised to tell the truth and examined according to the order of the principal decree, he was asked the following ___

Asked if he has knowledge that close to twelve-thirty pm a fire had been lit at the house of Monsieur Meullion, or, in some buildings of his backyard, he said that he was called by Don Guillermo Guignan who, giving notice of seeing the fire in the backyard of Monsieur Meullion, begged him to go with him to put it out, and that in effect seeing it was on fire, [and] understanding that it was on the chicken house of the said Monsieur Meuillon, dropped more than thirty pails of water, and with much effort worked to put it out, and that having appeared the Señores Caballeros Don Francisco Maria de Reggio, Don Joseph Ducros, and Don Juan Arnoul ordered said chicken house [be] broken down to avoid said fire spreading in other parts [Asked] what happened then, he responds ___

Asked if he had seen any suspicious person near said house, or inside the backyard, and if he knew of circumstances regarding the event, he said no, and that what he has declared is the truth under his sworn oath, and I sign with Your Grace that I, the Notary, do attest, [signed] Duffosat

Before me, [signed] Leonardo Mazange [rubric] Public Notary

[folio 3 recto] [digital 6]

Immediately His Grace ordered to appear
before him Don Guillermo Guignan, property owner of this city from whom before me, the present Notary, received the oath in accordance with the law, who made a symbol of the cross, whose charge promised to God to say the truth and examined according to the order of principal decree, [he was asked] the following questions ___

Asked if he has knowledge of the fire that
was lit in the house of Monsieur Meuillon, or in the buildings of his backyard at that time, he states that at around twelve-thirty in the afternoon he saw a large flame of fire in a chicken coop that was inside the backyard of Monsieur Meuillon. He names Monsieur Carriere, Don Francisco Maria de Reggio and Don Juan Arnoul as going with him to the said house in order to contribute to the extinguishing of said fire, and that having brought Monsieur Carriere with the aforementioned gentlemen, the said Carriere right away climbed on the burning chicken house and, with the water that the witness brought, extinguished said fire with much effort, and to avoid its progress, the said [gentlemen] were told to destroy said chicken coop,
which they did, and he responds ___

Asked if he saw in the backyard of said home, or around it, any suspicious person pass by, if he has suspicion against someone, [or] if he knows any other

[folio 3 verso] [digital 7]

circumstances regarding the incident, and if he thinks that said fire originated inside, or outside
of said chicken house, he said that it appeared to
originate outside, but that he did not see anyone suspicious around, and that he does not suspect anyone of having set said fire, and that he does not know more than that which he has declared the truth under sworn oath, that he is forty years old and I sign, with Your Grace, that I, the notary, do attest,
[signed] Dufossat

Before me,
[signed] Leonardo Mazange [rubric]
Public Notary

Immediately His Grace ordered to appear before
him Don Luis Boisdore, property owner of this city who before me, the present Notary, received the oath in accordance with the law, who made the oath to God with a symbol of the cross, under which he promised to tell the truth according to the principal decree. He responded to the following questions asked of him ___

Asked if he has knowledge of the fire
that burned in the chicken coop of Monsieur Meuillon, and if he suspected anyone of having committed said crime, or if he has any indication that may lead to knowledge of the incident; he said that he does not know anything, [but that] he did pass in front of said house today, [and that] he saw a negra of Monsieur Meuillon carry items that she took from said

[folio 4 recto] [digital 8]

backyard, and [that she] went with them to the levee; and that he does not know more, that what he has declared is the truth under oath, that he is forty-five years old, and I sign, with Your Grace, that I, the notary, do attest [signed] Dufossat

Before me,
[signed] Leonardo Mazange [rubric]
Public Notary

Immediately His Grace ordered to appear before him
the negra Francisca belonging to Monsieur Meuillon, [who had been] absent from his home, from whom before me, the present Notary, received the oath in accordance with the law, she made a sign of the cross, under which she promised to God to tell the truth about what they asked her, [about] the previous testimony

Asked who visited her that day, and the past night, she said that no one visited her at that, or any other time, and she responds ___

Asked what belongings she carried to the levee, she said that she brought the belongings of the mulata libre Francisca, which consisted of some clothing
and the canoe where she put them, [which] belongs to Antonio Pinau, who went to the post in Natchez, and responds ___

Asked where the mulata went, and what motive she had to leave, she said that [she had been] in the house of Monsieur Meuillon to recover from an illness
that she had, and she responds ___

[folio 4 verso] [digital 9]

Asked who had the habit of visiting said mulata, she said that she normally visited Monsieur Antonio Pino and she responds ___

Asked how long said mulata desired to leave, and if she went with said Antonio Pino, she said that she doesn’t know, and responds ___

Asked if in the nearby lands of her enslaver, she saw any person around, or in front of his house, she said no, and responds ___

Asked if today, or, in the past days said mulata complained about any blanco person, or [any] negra, she said no, and although they asked her various questions regarding the incident she said she does not know more, that she cannot presume from where said fire came, [that she cannot account] for it not having been from his chimney as His Grace the Señor alcalde saw at said time, and that what she has declared is the truth under oath, that she is of fifty years of age, and [she] did not sign because she does not know how, I signed, Your Grace, of which I present notary do testify, [signed] Dufossat

Before me, [signed] Leonardo Mazange [rubric] Public Notary

Immediately His Grace made appear before him the mulata libre named Maria Francisca, from whom, before me, the present notary, she received the oath in accordance with the law,

[folio 5 recto] [digital 10]

she made a Sign of the Cross, under which she promised
to God to tell the truth, and [be] examined according to the aforementioned interrogation,
She responded to the following questions ___

Asked where she resides in this city and
how long she has been here, she said at the house of Monsieur Meuillon, and for twelve days, and responds ___

Asked if she has permission from Monsieur Meuillon to stay in said house, and if she had many belongings there, she said that Monsieur Meuillon had granted her said permission, and that her belongings consisted of clothes, and everything useful for her needs, as well as her bed, and she responds ___

Asked if she removed anything from said house, and since when,
she said on that morning she removed part of her clothing [and went] to board a canoe belonging to Monsieur Antonio Pino, and that he promised her passage to the residence of Monsieur Meuillon, and she responds ___

Asked who visited said house of Monsieur
Meuillon, and who was in the habit of visiting the negra Francisca, esclava of the aforementioned, she said that the said Antonio visited at night, but that she did not see anyone visit the said negra, and responds ___

Asked who visited her, where this Monsieur
Antonio is now, and where he was going, she said that he was loading his canoe and that he was going to Natchez, and she responds ___

Asked where she was when the fire started, she said that

[folio 5 verso] [digital 11]

she was not at home, that she had gone to the house of
Monsieur De l’Isle to carry out some errands she had
for some neighbors from Pointe Coupée, and she responds ___

Asked who has their residency in said house
with the negra Francisca Meuillon, she said that a free negra named Mariana resides there with permission from said Monsieur Meuillon, and she responds ___

Asked if she suspects where the fire might have originated, she said no, and that she does not know more, and that what she has declared is the truth under the oath she made, that she is forty-five years old, and she did not sign because she does not know how. His Grace signed it, of which I, the notary, do attest. Amended: who visits her: no vale =LM [signed] Dufossat

Before me,
[signed] Leonardo Mazange [rubric]
Public notary

Immediately His Grace made appear before him
the negra libre named Mariana from whom,
before me, the present notary, received the oath
in accordance with the law, who made a sign of the cross under which she promised to God to tell the truth
and [be] examined according to the previous interrogation and the principal decree, responded to the questions that

[folio 6 recto] [digital 12]

followed ___

Asked for how long she has been staying in the home of Monsieur Meuillon, and with what permission,
she stated that she [had] stayed for much time, and with the permission of the aforementioned, and she responds ___

Asked if after some days, [had] she moved her belongings and other effects from said house, she said no, and that all that belongs to her currently resides in said house and she responds ___

Asked if in the time that the fire burned
she was inside the house, she said she was in her
room, making her food, and
she responds ___

Asked if she saw in said house, or in the backyard, any blanco man, or negro, that she did not see [any] on that day, but the people who arrived to put out the fire, and responds ___

Asked if she suspects who may have committed the crime of arson, she said that having seen nothing, nor having heard talk about the
topic, she cannot have any suspicion, and even though they asked her various questions regarding the incident, she said she does not know more, and that what she has declared is the truth under oath, that she is sixty years old, and does not sign because she does not know how [signed] Dufossat

Before me,
[signed] Leonardo Mazange [rubric]
Public notary

[folio 6 verso] [digital 13]

Immediately His Grace made appear
Before him the named Antonio Pino, [a] citizen of this city from whom, before me,
the present Notary, received the oath in accordance with the law, who made a sign of the cross, under
which he promised to tell the truth, and be examined
according to the primary decree and the previous procedures ___

Asked if he has known for some time the
mulata libre named Maria Francisca, he said
for ten years, and he responds ___

Asked around when he transferred the clothes in his canoe, he said that he took them by the order of said mulata to deliver them to Monsieur Charleroi Beauvois, [a] citizen of Pointe Coupée and responds ___

Asked if the negra Francisca of Monsieur Meuillon did not send some belongings in his canoe on behalf of said mulata, he said that he does not know, as he was absent from said canoe all day, and he responds ___

Asked if said mulata was meant to go with him to said post, or [a] residence, he said that she should have gone with him to the residence of Monsieur Meuillon but that [the canoe] being too laden, the witness had changed his mind, and he responds ___

He was asked if he had agreed to give her

[folio 7 recto] [digital 14]

passage in his canoe to bring her
to the residence of Monsieur Meuillon, he said that he
spoke to her around nine am that day, and that he
had promised said passage, but that by
being too laden, [had] changed his mind,
and he responds ___

Asked if he saw any person walk
in front of said house [or] in the backyard during the
day, he said no, and he responds ___

Asked what he suspects about the fire that occurred today in the house of Monsieur Meuillon, and if he suspects any person, he said no, and that he does not know many people in this city because he is a traveler and he responds ___

Asked if he knows any circumstances related
to the event, he said he does not know anything, and that what he has declared is the truth under oath, that he is forty-five years old, and he did not sign because he does not know how, I signed, Your Grace, which I the notary do certify ___ [signed] Dufossat

Before me, [Signed] Leonardo Mazange [rubric] Public notary

Immediately His Grace made appear before him the negro libre Francisco Brantan from whom, before me, the present Notary, received the

[folio 7 verso] [digital 15]

the oath in accordance with the law, who made
a sign of the cross under which he promised
to God to tell the truth, and [be] examined according to
the tenor of the principal decree, and in summary ___

Asked if he has any knowledge of the
fire that burned in the chicken house of Monsieur Meuillon his immediate neighbor, he said that he has no knowledge, except for having helped Monsieur Carriere to put it out, and that he does not know other
circumstances and he responds ___

And although they asked various questions pertaining
to the event, he said he does not know anything and that what he has declared is the truth under oath,
that he is fifty years old, and does not
sign for he does not know how, I signed, Your Grace,
which I the Notary do certify ___ [signed] Dufossat

Before me
[signed] Leonardo Mazange [rubric]
Public notary

Immediately His Grace made appear before him
a negrita named Carlota, esclava of
Francisco Brantan, of whom His Grace before me,
the Notary, received the oath by God and the cross in accordance with the charge

[folio 8 recto] [digital 16]

promised to tell the truth and was asked the following questions ___

Asked if she has any knowledge of the fire
that was set and burned in the houses of
Monsieur Meuillon, she said yes, and that said
fire was set around midday by the negro
Magnan who was on the land of
Francisco, esteemed property owner of the German Coast
and that she saw said negro drop fire to the top of the chicken house of
Monsieur Meuillon and shortly after it
caught fire and responds ___

Asked if she knows what nation the
said negro belongs to, and if he resides
in the [rooms] of the witness: she said that
the said negro was born in Senegal
that she does not know the name of his enslaver but
that he resides in the house
of Señor Salomon Maline in a
room of which she has never
slept in

[folio 8 verso] [digital 17]

and that she only knows him for having arrived together to this province in the same ship

Asked if she has knowledge of the
said negro who might have attempted on another occasion to set fire in some other part,
she said that there were some days that
the said negro said in the presence of
Arrieta, negra esclava of Madame
Andry, that with his amo he had attempted to
set fire and burn the house of Monsieur
Caillo but at the time they set it off they were discovered by the patrol and they fled to the mountain
and on the following day they returned early
to the city and responds ___

And although they asked other questions
and cross questions on the case regarding all,
She said that what she declared
is the truth in charge under
oath of the law [and] that she is

[folio 9 recto] [digital 18]

thirteen years of age, and [that] she does not sign
for she does not know how, I signed, Your Grace, which I do attest [signed] Dufossat

Before me
[signed] Leonardo Mazange [rubric]
Public notary

Immediately His Grace ordered to appear before him
the negra named Arrieta, esclava
of Madame Andry, [who] per His Grace before
me, the notary, received the oath
by God and the cross [and] following said oath promised to tell the truth and they asked her
the following questions ___

Asked if she was present when the
negro Magnon said to the negra Carlota,
esclava of Francisco Branton, that he with her
enslaver had attempted to set fire
and to burn the house of M. Caille
but at the time they set it off they were discovered
by the patrol and fled

[folio 9 verso] [digital 19]

to the mountain, the following [day]
they returned to this city, she said that it is
true that said negro said to Carlota,
negra esclava of Francisco Branton, the
same that he asked her and responds ___

Asked if she returned to inform her
enslaver, said that no because said negro plead
that she not reveal him to anyone and responds ___

Asked of what nation said negro comes
and if she knows his enslaver, she said that said
negro is of the Senegal nation, esclavo of an
Englishman [whose] name she does not know, that he has been in this city for some time; and that he had the habit of talking with said Carlota, and that she
has said to the witness that the said
negro intended to set fire to
some part but that he had not fixed where
and responds ___

Asked if she knows with what person
had more communication with said negro, she said that she believes that he lives in the room of the

[folio 10 recto] [digital 20]

negra Therisa belonging to Monsieur Dubreuil,
for she has seen him many times
in the company of her, and that she has never
Seen him with another person, and she responds ___

She was asked other questions regarding the case
She said the same thing [to all of them] and that what she has declared is the truth under oath [and] that she is fifteen years old, she did not sign because she said that she does not know how to read, all of which I certify, Your Grace, Of which I also certify [signed] Dufossat

Before me
[signed] Leonardo Mazange [rubric]
Public Notary

Immediately, His Grace made appear
before him the negra Theresa at the house
of Madame Dubreuil from whom Your Grace, before
me, the notary, took an oath
which she made under God and the cross according to
the law, under which she promised to tell the truth
and be examined, she swore to what was
said by the negra Arrieta,
esclava of Madame Andry and regarding
anything else she finds relevant

[folio 10 verso] [digital 21]

she said that she only knows of him for having seen him once speaking with Carlota, esclava
of Francisco Branton and with the negra
Arrieta at the doors of said Branton’s
house, and responds ___

Asked on what day, she said the morning
when the first fire occurred in the
houses of Monsieur Meuillon, and she also
saw him speaking with the aforementioned before yesterday, shortly before the discovery
of the second fire in the same houses
of Monsieur Meuillon and she responds ___

Asked what the said negro is called, she said he is called Magnin, that he is
of Senegalese origin and that he is an esclavo
of Monsieur Bolodue, and she responds ___

Asked if said negro or any other
person has spoken to her about said fire
or the intention to set it, she said that nobody had
heard talk about such matter
and responds ___

And although they asked her
other questions and follow-up questions

[folio 11 recto] [digital 22]

regarding the case, she said she has
nothing else to declare, that what she already declared is the truth under her said sworn oath,
that she is thirty years old, she does not sign because she does not know how, I signed, Your Grace, which
I do certify [signed] Dufossat

Before me
[signed] Leonardo Mazange [rubric]
Public Notary

[folio 11 verso] [digital 23]

[blank]

[folio 12 recto] [digital 24]
[blank]

[folio 12 verso] [digital 25]
[blank]

Notes

¹ The term alcade ordinario refers to judges who tried non-fuero [non-military] cases and who sat in an elected judicial post on the New Orleans Cabildo council. Only ‘able and informed’ men were considered eligible for this post. In order to serve as an alcade ordinario, the judge was required to have a residence in the city and to live there during their tenure of office. The New Orleans Cabildo had two such alcaldes ordinarios, who were designated as alcalde ordinario deprimer voto and alcalde ordinario de segundo voto, respectively. They were voting members of the council. Their judicial responsibilities, however, made it impossible for them to serve as comisario anual or comisario mensual. In the absence of the governor and his lieutenant, the alcalde ordinario de primer voto presided over the Cabildo sessions. The alcaldes ordinarios were not salaried, and they collected set fees from the cases they heard in their respective courts. For more see Gilbert C. Din and John E. Harkins, The New Orleans Cabildo: Colonial Louisiana’s First City Government, 1769-1803. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press (1996).