{"petition":[{"petition_analysis_number":"11680503","petition_url":"https:\/\/dlas.uncg.edu\/petitions\/petition\/11680503","state":"Virginia","county":"Accomack","location_type":"County","file_day":13,"file_month":12,"file_year":1805,"filing_court":"Legislative","end_day":20,"end_month":12,"end_year":1805,"ending_court":"Legislative","result":"reasonable, reported","enslaved_count":0,"fpoc_count":0,"total_people_count":1,"repository":"Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia","abstract":"Married for twelve years and living \"in harmony\" with his wife Tabitha, Ayres Tatham said that he felt shame and confusion when, in 1803, Tabitha gave birth to a mulatto child \"obviously the issue of an illicit intercourse with a black man.\"  In 1804, Tabitha ran away, departing the county and leaving the three children born of \"her former more correct & happier days\" in the care of her husband.  Ayres was informed that she had been found living in Philadelphia.  He asks for the dissolution of their marriage contract.","subjects":[{"subject":"Divorce"},{"subject":"Interracial relationships"},{"subject":"Illegitimacy "}]}]}