Nelson Kavanaugh, a freed slave from Kentucky who emigrated to Texas in 1837, states that "he has always demeaned and conducted himself in an humble honest and industrious manner." Kavanaugh seeks exemption "from the operation of the law requiring the expatriation of 'Free persons of colour.'" He reveals that "he is a single man without wife or children a Barber by profession and no friend to the abolitionists who he is well aware more than even the ill conduct of some of his colour and condition have drawn down upon us the ban of the Republic." He therefore prays that "your Honorable body will in your Kindness and justice pass a special act in his behalf permitting him to remain in the Republic." Fifteen citizens attest to Kavanaugh's worthiness "of the exemption for which he prays."
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Repository: Texas State Library-Archives Division, Austin, Texas
