Richard H. Henderson, "attorney for the Commonwealth for the County Court of Loudon," represents that "it is almost impracticable to carry ... into effect" the law that prohibits emancipated free blacks from remaining in the county. He further states that "while our free white population is moving Westward, and our slaves are removed to the South & South west, this population, especially the most mischievous part of it, clings to the bosom of society, and injuriously affects its best interest." Henderson suggests that "transporting emancipated slaves to the now flourishing colonies on the Western coast of Africa" might be an "efficient mode of dealing with such offenders." Believing "that the evil complained of is of much and growing magnitude," the petitioner prays "that an adequate and appropriate remedy be devised and put in force by the Legislative wisdom." Henderson submits "A List of Prosecutions against free persons of Colour for remaining in the State Contrary to Law"; the list contains the names of thirty-six free blacks.
Result: Referred to committee for courts of justice.
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Repository: Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia
