Free black Joseph Ruff notes that he is "one of that unfortunate class in Virginia, who neither possesses the common privileges of a free man, nor has the protection and security of a slave." Citing a recent law barring free blacks from owning fire arms, Ruff seeks permission to keep a gun for hunting and protection. His father fought in the American Revolution, and, Ruff contends, he should be allowed to possess firearms as his father did before him. He is a land owner, and a "peaceable industrious citizen of the County of Bedford."
Result: Rejected.
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Repository: Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia
