Scranton v. Conlie

Citations

• 29 Tex. 237

Syllabus

<p>Under the law of 1841, (which was still in force in Texas in 1867,) in relation to runaway slaves, it was made the duty of the sheriffs of the respective counties to receive all runaway slaves who were duly committed, and to keep them securely, and to maintain them. (O. & W. Dig., Art. 1869.)</p> <p>Where the owner refused to remove the slave, or to provide for his maintenance, he became liable for his expenses.</p> <p>The insanity of the slave excused the sheriff from offering the negro at public sale, as the law then directed. (0. & W. Dig., Art. 1870.)</p> <p>Where the reason of the law ceases, the law itself ceases.</p> <p>When the law allowed the sheriff but fifty cents a day for keeping a slave, he could not recover a higher sum by proving a quantum meruit. (O. & W. Dig., Arts. 960 and 1870.)</p>