Emancipated by his master Thomas Blakemore "on account of his faithful services, and uniform good demeanor whilst his Slave," Thomas Richards seeks to enjoy his freedom in Virginia, "his Native state." He has a slave wife and several slave children living in the neighborhood. He can produce certificates from the most respectable residents. Richards described himself as a person of "sobriety, order, & uprightness of his Character." Richards's assessment of his character is fully supported by his former owner, Thomas Blakemore, who testifies in a related document that he had "never known a more honest, orderly or well behaved man of any color in his life." Thomas Blakemore had owned Thomas Richards for about twelve years; he had received him as a gift from his father who had owned Thomas for more than thirty years.
Result: Bill drawn.
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Repository: Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia
