The petitioners, slaves of Peyton Drew, are well aware of the law prohibiting emancipation within Virginia. But, they argue, the prohibition originated out of the "evils consequent upon an indiscriminate emancipation" and should not apply to virtuous slaves. Considering themselves "uniformly good & meritorious," they ask to be emancipated, and to remain in Virginia. They represent that Peyton Drew has "expressed a desire to have them emancipated and given a certificate to that effect."
Result: Laid on the table.
Or you may view all people.
Repository: Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia