Two hundred ninety-two petitioners seek “to meliorate the condition, of that unfortunate race of people, called SLAVES.” They suggest that masters who free their blacks give them "a lease on lands for years, free of rent, charge and taxes, with provisions adequate for the first year, with a limited portion of stock and articles of husbandry." They further propose that any "unprincipled and designing" men who attempt to deprive former slaves of their freedom should be indicted for a felony. The petitioners also assert that "the western country" might afford a suitable location freed slaves since there "the means of decent subsistence, are easily obtained, and distressing poverty is seldom seen."
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Repository: Tennessee State Library and Archives, Nashville, Tennessee
