Lucy, Otley Rose, Alexander Rose, and Polly Rose, free persons of color, represent that "they were recently the Slaves of James Halleyburton" and that he "by his last Will and testament ... manumitted them." They also disclose that the said Otley, Alexander and Polly "are the children of their late master, who by his will has made ample provision for their support, as that they are not likely to be a burden or an incumbrance to the public." The petitioners further note that "they must leave this Commonwealth within twelve months from the time their emancipation takes effect, or be subjected to sale as Slaves.” Confessing that "if they were at liberty to select their own masters, they would prefer slavery here, to liberty in any other land," the petitioners pray "that a law be passed permitting them to reside in the County of Nelson."
Result: Bill drawn.
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Repository: Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia
