One hundred ninety-two inhabitants of Mecklenburg County argue that "the Enemies of our Country" are attempting to deny Americans the right to own property. They purport that "a very subtle & daring Attempt is on Foot to dispossess us of a very important Part of our Property ... by wresting from us our Slaves by an Act of the Legislature for a general Emancipation of them." They charge that their designs are covered "with the Veil of Piety and Liberality of Sentiment But it is equally without any support from the Word of God, and pregnant with evil Consequences to this State." Asserting that "Slavery was permitted by the Deity himself," the petitioners pray "that you will discountenance and utterly reject every Motion and Proposal for emancipating our Slaves."
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Repository: Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia
