William and Samuel Joyce petition that prior to "the adoption of the present Constitution of the State of Maryland," they were held as slaves by Mary Whalen. But, "by the 24th Art. of the declaration of rights annexed to said Constitution," they were released from their "former obligations as slaves." However, the petitioners claim that they are still detained in slavery by Mary Whalen. They ask the court to issue a writ of habeas corpus so that their case can be heard in court and Whalen "can show cause if any she may have, why your petitioners are thus deprived of their freedom."
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Repository: Maryland State Archives, Annapolis, Maryland
