In 1806, Thomas Elmore Trabue died, stipulating in his will that his "negroe boy Roderick be emancipated & set free." He instructed his executor to take Roderick to the Cumberland settlement in Tennessee, give him one hundred acres of land, and provide him with "fifty pounds cash lawfull money of Virginia." This plan failed, however, because of the Tennessee law "inhibiting the introduction of persons of colour." Roderick was taken back to Virginia and apprenticed to a boot and shoemaker. He is now twenty-one years of age and petitions the legislature to be allowed to remain in Virginia.
Result: Laid on the table.
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Repository: Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia
