Abel M. Griffith, a young lawyer, represented Thomas Sollers. He presented documents that proved Sollers' ownership of Dorsey, and he argued the legality of Sollers' right to recapture him. According to Purvis' account, it seemed all likely that the court would rule in favor of the prosecution. David Paul Brown then rose and demanded that Griffith produce proper evidence that slavery is legal in the state of Maryland. Griffith left the courthouse and returned with The Laws of Maryland, which Brown declared was not a certified copy. Griffith pleaded with the judge to offer him more time to find proof, but Judge Fox dismissed the case.
