Essex County coroner's inquest report upon the body of a deceased African American male, 1743 November 8

Report (November 8, 1743) of Essex County, Virginia coroner, F. Waring, on the death of an African American male found along the Piscataway River. Waring noted the man was of medium size and marked on the breast and face and had with him a gun, sword and abundant clothing. Waring determined the cause of death to be exposure to the elements.

Recto

Essex Sc I do certifie that on the 24^th. of
October last I took an Inquest on a
Negro man found dead on the Main
run of Piscattaway Creek, he was found
on the 22^d of s^d. Month and was a young
Negro of Middle Size, black, and markt
in the face and brest there was found near
him a Gun and sword a Mans Coat and
severall other goods & wearing apparell to the Value of five
pounds which were Supposed and believed
by the Jury the s^d. Negro had stole the -
Jury were of opinion the s^d. Negro died
by the Cold rain which fell in great
abundance at that time & the s^d. Negro
notwithstanding he had many Cloaths
with him stript himselfe naked w^ch.
Occasiond his death as is found by s^d.
Inquest returned to the Secretarys office
given under my hand this 8^th of 9^br. 1743
F Waring Cor

Verso

Waring Coron^r. Cert^e.

Ink on paper