John Osborne informs the court that, a few years prior to the filing of his petition, he purchased a slave named James Butler of Prince George County, for one hundred eighty pounds, from Captain Richard Williams. As part of the sale contract, Osborn agreed to allow James Butler to purchase himself "from the proceeds of his own labor and exertions" and "to emancipate him if required so to do." Though born a slave, Osborne says, James possesses the "honor and integrity of a freeman;" he has earned "the affection of his owners and the goodwill and esteem of all the people to whom he was known." James, who is "waxing old in years, has "faithfully and honorably paid the last farthing of the sum which was to entitle him to emancipation." However, the petitioner explains, if he frees James the latter will be forced by the "law this time in operation" to leave the state and his family. Osborne therefore asks an exception to the law and that James be freed, and permitted to remain in Virginia with his wife and children "to enjoy his freedom in his latter days."
Result: Rejected.
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Repository: Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia
