Rebecca, a free woman of color, represents that Joseph Wallace directed in his last will and testament that she "be emancipated after his decease"; Wallace died in February 1835. She acknowledges, however, the "operation of the late law by which emancipated slaves are compelled to leave the state in a given time." Rebecca admits that "she is now far advanced in life" and laments that "all her children with the exception of one were sold into other states shortly after her master's decease." Living "in the neighborhood of that remaining child and of her aged husband with whom she earnestly desires to pass the remnant of her days," the petitioner prays that a law be passed "permitting her, on sufficiently indemnifying the county, to remain in the State during her life."
Result: Referred to committee on propositions and grievances.
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Repository: Tennessee State Library and Archives, Nashville, Tennessee
