1789

The Judiciary Act of 1789 was passed by Congress and signed by President George Washington, establishing the Supreme Court of the United States. That day, President Washington nominated John Jay to preside as chief justice, and John Rutledge (Charleston), William Cushing, John Blair, Robert Harrison, and James Wilson to be associate justices. On September 26, two days later, all six appointments were confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

1796 – Slavery

Noel, a “french negro” was convicted of theft and sentenced “to Receive thirty & nine Lashes on the Bare back at the Lower Market.” The same day a slave named Silvan was also whipped for theft.