Benjamin Godwin represents that he "was born the slave of Robert Godwin esquire" and that "the said Godwin esquire by his last will and testament made sundry bequests in favour of your said petitioner." He further explains that the object and intent of said bequests were "to emancipate him, after he had by his present labour amassed such a sum of principal, as would together with its interest provide for his future sustenance and comfort when he grew old or infirm." The petitioner laments, however, that he "is informed, that he cannot be permitted to enjoy the benefits of such an emancipation if he remains in this Commonwealth afterwards." Acknowledging that he "was born in this Commonwealth, has a wife and children residing with him therein and all the friends, connections and protectors he has on earth are also residents of this state," the petitioner prays "that you will be pleased to enact a law, that when emancipated by the Trustees ..., he may be permitted to remain in this state."
Result: Bill drawn.
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Repository: Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia
