On 16 April 1862, Congress passed an act abolishing slavery in the District of Columbia. Owners were required to file a schedule of slaves with the court, which issued certificates of freedom. On 12 July 1862, another act permitted minor masters, absentee owners, and slaves themselves to file for certificates of freedom. Louisa Watkins, a "Dark Brown" woman, twenty-five years of age, belonging to Margaret Badin, of Maryland, seeks her freedom.
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Repository: National Archives, Washington, D. C.
