Description
In 1806, the General Assembly moved to remove the free Negro population from Virginia with a law stating that all emancipated slaves, freed after May 1, 1806, who remained in the commonwealth more than a year, would forfeit their right to freedom and be sold by the Overseers of the Poor for the benefit of the parish. Individuals wishing to stay were to petition the legislature through the local county court. Beginning in 1837, freed slaves could petition the local courts for permission to remain in the commonwealth. Often included in the petitions are the name of the petitioner, the circumstances of free status, and a request to remain in the county often with accompanying names of citizens who can testify to the free status or who support the request of the petitioner to remain. Wright, Sully : Petition to Remain in the Commonwealth
