Petition #11685103

Abstract

Elleanor Vaughan and her six children join Dicey Vaughan, "a favorite of her master," in professing their desire "to remain within the limits of the state of Virginia." They report that the late Craddock Vaughan executed a last will and testament "by which he emancipated your petitioners." The Vaughans further disclose that the said Craddock fathered Elleanor's six children and that "the said Testator in his lifetime nourished and raised them as his own children and paid them every regard which a paternal care for their interest seemed to require"; they also aver that they are "in truth much more than three fourths white so far as blood is concerned." The petitioners note that they "are now taken by the laws to be noted as Free negroes" but that they believe that "they are themselves in their own estimation beyond the sphere of the Free negro class generally so degraded" and "among whom their lot is now most unfortunately cast." Citing their unusual circumstances, they declare that "they have been respectfully raised, know how to conduct themselves and have always conducted themselves well ... for they know perfectly well how much their welfare depends upon their own good conduct." They therefore pray that a law be passed allowing them to remain in Virginia. A related document reveals that Dicey’s husband and five children are among the seven slaves held by Craddock Vaughan’s estate.

Result: Referred to committee for courts of justice.

9 people are documented within petition 11685103

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Citation information

Repository: Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia

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