Twenty citizens of Greene County represent that "a certain negroe man named Hiram,” who “is now, and for some years past has been, in the possession of one John Weems," did "by Contract with the said John Weems" purchase his freedom and that "Said Weems is now willing & anxious to set said negroe free." They point out, however, "that said negroe is unwilling to leave his relatives and former owners, to whom he is much attached." The petitioners therefore pray "that your Honorable body will by an act of assembly authorize said negroe to be set free, with permission to remain in this state should he choose so to do."
Result: Reasonable.
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Repository: Tennessee State Library and Archives, Nashville, Tennessee
