David Vance joins eighty-six other Blount County citizens in requesting that a family of free persons of color be permitted to remain in the state. Vance recalls that he emancipated three slaves in July 1840 "to wit Thomas Dolly his wife and Alexander son of Thomas and Dolly who had Contracted for their freedom before the passage of the Acts of assembly of 1831 that prohibited Emancipated slaves from Remaining in this State." He further represents "that he is A verry Aged man that he has neither Wife nor children nor any family relations living near him that the sd thomas Dolly and Alexander is Living on his farm by their industry and Dutiful behaviour ads mutch to the Eas and Comfort of your petitioner." He therefore prays that a special law be passed so "they could be permited to remain in the state." Vance also states that he is the owner of "four other slaves to wit Bill Polly melinda and Caroline Children of thomas and Dolly" and that he desires to emancipate them "with leave to remain in this state."
Result: Referred to judiciary committee.
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Repository: Tennessee State Library and Archives, Nashville, Tennessee
