Free man of color Pleasant Bious represents that "he came to Texas without a knowledge of the Law prohibiting free persons of Colour to Remain and abide in the Country." He further declares that he "has been in Texas about three years and [has] a wife and children who are Slaves and therefore cannot go with me to any other government." He therefore asks that "he may be permitted to Remain and abide within the Republic protected by the Laws of the Country from the many wrongs and abuses which he has heretofore Suffered, from those who is disposed to use the power of the Law, or abuse your petitioner because he is Black and of the African Race (Tho free)." Bious closes by stating that "he has Served in the army in the defense of this Republic and Begs to be permitted to live in the Country which he has defended and is at all times willing to defend."
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Repository: Texas State Library-Archives Division, Austin, Texas
