David Ward represents that he "was born a slave and the property of John Ward the elder" and that his late master manumitted him in his last will and testament for faithful service. He further cites that he served as overseer of Ward's affairs and also attended him in his illness, whereby "he never slept out of his master's room, for twenty five years of his life." Avowing that "your own Virginia is alike dear to him," the petitioner asks the legislature "to extend him the privilege of residence upon his good behaviour, and to that end he prays your honorable body to pass a law."
Result: Rejected.
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Repository: Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia
