William Gaines represents that he purchased a "very valuable house servant" named Stephen in 1812 from "a certain John Williamson of the State of South Carolina." Gaines states that he realized the next day, however, that said purchase had violated the law prohibiting the introduction of slaves into the state for sale or trade. Unsuccessful in his efforts to nullify his contract, the petitioner reports that the overseers of the poor took Stephen and sold him "with the express intention, that he should be carried into another state & sold." Pleading for the "mercy of the General Assembly," Gaines prays that he be allowed "the proceeds of the aforesaid sale."
Result: Bill drawn.
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Repository: Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia
