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Reports to and from the territorial governor Stevens T Mason regarding the Toledo war between Michigan and Ohio.

This record series consists of historically significant reports sent to or produced by State of Michigan officials.

A copy of the 28th section of an Act of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky certified by Lewis Sanders Jr., Secetary of the State, dated June 5, 1833. The copy of the act, or official document No. 2, establishes the status of slaves and descendents in Kentucky. The copy was used by Henry Chipman towards the apprehension of Thornton Blackburn and Ruthy, or Rutha, Blackburn.

A copy of the Executive Council of the Province of Upper Canada meeting dated July 15, 1833. Those present in the Chamber were Sir John Colborne, K.C.B., Lieutenant Governor, the Hon. and Rev. John Strachan, D.D., Archdeacon of York and Presiding Counselor, the Hon. Peter Robinson, and the Hon. Joseph Wells. During the meeting, the council considers the question of Thornton and Ruthy Blackburn, and individuals affilated with them, as well as the Province's responsibility to the fugitives according to its laws.

Deposition of John M. Wilson, Sheriff of Wayne County, to Henry Chipman, a Justice of the Peace for Wayne County, Michigan, dated August 10, 1833. In the deposition, or official document No. 6, John Wilson describes his brief recollection of the riot that involved Thornton Blackburn on June 17, 1833. His lack of memory is the result of being stunned during the riot, but confirms the series of events on June 17 through the affidavit of Alexander McArthur.

Affidavit from John P. Oldham to the Mayor of the city of Louisville John Bucklin dated June 5, 1833. In the affidavit, or official document No. 1, John Oldman had managed and supervised the slaves and estates of Mrs. Susan Brown, who was the owner of Thornton Blackburn and his wife. Oldham provides a description of Blackburn and his duties while residing in Louisville. The affidavit was made before the mayor of Louisville, John Bucklin.

Deposition of John M. Wilson, Sheriff of Wayne County, to Henry Chipmen, Justice of the Peace, dated August 12, 1833. In the deposition, or official document No. 6, John Wilson describes the arrest of Thornton Blackburn's wife, Ruthy, or Rutha, Blackburn. Ruthy escapes from Wilson's custody on June 16, 1833 and has reason to believe that she conspired with some unknown person to execute her escape.

Letter from Attorney General Robert S. Jameson to Lieutenant Colonel Rowan, Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor of the Province of Upper Canada dated July 12, 1833. In the letter, Robert Jameson provides his legal advise on the question regarding Thornton and Rutha Blackburn, its application to their law, and the requisiton ordered by the United States.

Affidavit from Thomas Rogers to the mayor of Louisville John Bucklin dated June 5, 1833. In the affidavit, or official document No. 1, Thomas Rogers describes his interaction with Thorton Blackburn in Detroit, Michigan in he fall of 1831. The document is appriased by Henry Chipman, Justice of the Peace for Wayne County, Michigan, on the reverse side. 

Schedule of the Documents and Official Papers accompanying the Requisition for Thornton Blackburn.

Requisition Letter from Territorial Governor George Byron Porter to Sir John Colborne, Lt. Governor to the Province of Upper Canada, dated August 12, 1833. In the requisition letter, George Byron Porter sends Lt. Governor Colborne a second requisition letter requesting the deliverance of Thornton and Rutha Blackburn, and those affilated with them back to the United States.

Testimony of Talbot Oldman and Benjamin G. Weir to Henry Chipman, Justice to the Peace for Wayne County, Michigan, dated June 14, 1833. In the testimony, or official document No. 3, both Talbot Oldman Benjamin Weir testify to the ethnicity, ownership, and residence of Thornton and Rutha Blackburn before their flee to Detroit, Michigan. 

Deposition of Alexander McArthur, Deputy Sheriff of Wayne County, to Henry Chipman, Justice of the Peace for Wayne County, Michigan, dated August 10, 1833. In the deposition, or official document No. 7, Alexander McArthur provides a detailed description of the events in Detroit on June 16, 1833 and the riot that occured on June 17, 1833 involving Thornton and Rutha Blackburn.

Requisition Letter from Territorial Governor George Byron Porter to Sir John Colborne, Lt. Governor to the Province of Upper Canada, dated August 12, 1833. In the requisition letter, George Byron Porter sends Lt. Governor Colborne a second requisition letter requesting the deliverance of Thornton and Rutha Blackburn, and those affilated with them back to the United States.

Draft deposition of Alexander McArthur, Deputy Sheriff of Wayne County, dated August 10, 1833. In the deposition, Alexander McArthur gives a detailed description of the riot that took place in Detroit involving Thornton Blackburn on June 17, 1833. The deposition is accompanied by an unidentified letter.

Letter Letter from Attorney General Robert S. Jameson to John Beikie, Clerk to the Executive Council of the Province of Upper Canada, dated September 20, 1833. In the letter, Robert Jameson provides his opinion on the legal consequences of Thornton and Rutha Blackburn if their crimes were to have happened in their province under their law.

Letter from Sir John Colborne, Lt. Governor of the Province of Upper Canada, to Stevens T. Mason, Acting Governor of the Territory of Michigan, dated July 16, 1833. In the letter, Sir John Colborne states to Stevens T. Mason that the application for the requisition has been forwarded for consideration if Thornton and Rutha Blackburn, and those affilated with them, can legally be delivered to the United States.

Testimony of Talbert Oldham, Benjamin G. Weir, and James Slaughter made before Henry Chipman, Justice of the Peace for Wayne County, Michigan, dated June 14, 1833. In each testimony, Talbot Oldham, Benjamin Weir, and James Slaughter testify to the ethnicity, ownership, and residence of Thornton and Rutha Blackburn before their flee to Detroit, Michigan.

Advisory opinion written by Chief Justice J.B. Robinson, Judge L.P. Sherwood, and Judge J.B. Macaulay to Lt. Governor John Colborne dated September 24, 1833. The advisory opinion provides an establsihed conclusion developed by the judges and the recommeneded actions the Lt. Governor and the Province of Upper Canada should take regarding the Blackburns and the individuals affilated with them.

Thornton

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