10583901https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/10583901FloridaMonroeCounty8121836Petitionoffered, read, yeas 15, nays 8, laid on table002Florida State Archives, Tallahassee, FloridaBecause of her husband's cruel and harsh treatment, Eliza Patterson seeks a divorce from Alexander Patterson of Key West. Shortly after their marriage in December 1832, Alexander brought a seventeen-year-old girl into their house and lived with her in "criminal connection." He also forced Eliza to sign a bill of sale for her slave, "her private property, of the value of $300." She asks for a divorce, the return of her slave, the return of household furniture worth $1,000, and proper support for herself and her child.AdulteryDivorceAlimonyDomestic violence