Harriet, "a Woman of Color," informs the court that Dr. John Emerson purchased her in 1835 and took her to Fort Snelling in the Iowa Territory, at a point "north of 36 degrees & 30 minutes north latitude." She asserts that she was held in slavery while at Fort Snelling, "in violation of the act of Congress of March 6th 1820." Noting that Dr. Emerson has died, Harriet represents that she is in the possession of Irene Emerson, his widow, and Samuel Russell. Harriet Scott "therefore prays your Honorable Court to grant her leave to Sue as a poor person, in order to establish her right to freedom & that the necessary orders may be made in the premises."
Result: Petition granted; plea of trespass filed.
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Repository: Civil Courts Building, St. Louis, Missouri
