Petition #20881705

Abstract

Phillis Gray, a free woman of color, petitions on behalf of her sixteen-year-old son named Alexander, "commonly called" Edward. Gray asserts that, although she and her son were born free in Burlington, New Jersey, Alexander is now being held in slavery by "Mssrs Detournelle and Detanneur." She claims to have been informed that the two men are planning to remove her son from the jurisdiction of the court, and thus deprive him of the ability to sue for his freedom. Phillis Gray therefore prays to be allowed to sue "in forma pauperis," i.e., as a person without means. She asks the court to return her son to the enjoyment of his freedom. She further asks that Alexander be allowed to hire himself out during the "pendency" of the suit.

Result: Partially granted; dismissed.

4 people are documented within petition 20881705

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Citation information

Repository: New Orleans Public Library, New Orleans, Louisiana

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