Sheriff left written notice at the dwelling house stating that 14 people who were coloured persons had come into the state contrary to the law, and that they were required to leave the state within 20 days or face prosecution. A free negro by the name of Samuel Jacobs was one of these 14 people. The notice was not handed personally to any of the individuals concerned; the Supreme Court said it had to be served personally on the defendant. Judgment arresting the verdict against the defendant was affirmed.