<petition><petition_analysis_number>11683707</petition_analysis_number><petition_url>https://dlas.uncg.edu/petitions/petition/11683707</petition_url><state>Virginia</state><county>Westmoreland</county><location_type>County</location_type><file_day>8</file_day><file_month>2</file_month><file_year>1837</file_year><filing_court>Archives</filing_court><enslaved_count>0</enslaved_count><fpoc_count>0</fpoc_count><total_people_count>4</total_people_count><repository>Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia</repository><abstract>The laws prohibiting persons from retailing liquor without a license are ineffective, four residents of Westmoreland County explain.  Few cases are brought before grand juries, while many persons of "abandoned character are engaged in this illegal traffick."  This was detrimental to the morals of slaves, who plunder from their masters to buy "ardent spirits."  Residents argue for harsher penalties.</abstract><subjects><subject>Alcohol, right to sell/buy</subject><subject>White affection (enslaved)</subject></subjects></petition>