Petition #11681703

Abstract

Mary Austin petitions the legislature to authorize her to free her slave Amanda when the latter reaches the age of eighteen or before, should she die before Amanda reaches that age. Mary Austin explains that as an infant Amanda had her mother "taken from her" and was gravely ill for a long time. Mary nursed her back to health, and consequently formed, "perhaps unfortunately, a strong, and from its continuance, it seems, a lasting attachment for her." It would be "most abhorrent and distressing," Mary informs the legislature, if Amanda were to remain a slave. The language of the petition makes it unclear whether Amanda's mother was sold away from her or died.

Result: Bill drawn.

2 people are documented within petition 11681703

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Citation information

Repository: Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia

Subjects