Petition #20983803

Abstract

On 3 May 1828, Chester and Eliza Coleman manumitted John, the petitioner. The deed of manumission stated that John was to be freed on 22 October 1837, on the condition that he leave the United States. He was then sold to Joseph Wagner to serve the remaining length of his term. Now that his term of servitude has expired, John is "anxious to avail himself of the kindness of his former master, by leaving the United States and removing to Liberia." Chester Coleman, John's former master, tried to provide John with new clothing for the trip "and other necessaries requisite to his comfort" and booked him passage on a ship owned by the American Colonization Society. However, Wagner refused to let John meet with Coleman, instead promising John that he would take him to Baltimore to catch the ship. John believes that Wagner is trying to defraud him and keep him as a slave. John asks the court to issue a writ of habeas corpus so that he may appear before the court and plead his case and be allowed to leave the United States for Liberia.

Result: Granted.

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Citation information

Repository: Maryland State Archives, Annapolis, Maryland

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