"[Y]our petitioner was born, and to this hour remains, a Slave," James Butler began. Having always conducted himself to gain the good will and esteem of whites, and having paid his master for his freedom, Butler asks for an act of emancipation. He "is now considerably advanced in years" and had long hoped to enjoy freedom in his latter days. But to leave his family within twelve months as the law requires would put him in a state "infinitely more galling" than bondage. He seeks permission to remain in Virginia. John Osborne, Butler's current owner, joins in his "prayer" to the legislature and various citizens of the county offer a certificate of good conduct.
Result: Reasonable, reported.
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Repository: Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia
