The article discusses a legal case involving South Carolina slaveholder David Lipscomb, of the Spartanburg District, and his accusations of arson against Catherine, a female African American slave he held. The article focuses on a petition signed by several slaveholders and neighbors of Lipscomb requesting that South Carolina Governor Andrew Magrath pardon the slave from being hanged, despite her being found guilty of arson. The article explores the legal rights of slaves, notes that the petition focused on Catherine's age and mental abilities, and discusses evidence of abuse against slaves by Lipscomb.