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Does not belong to any secret societies and has a strong dislike of them. Burgess has a good reputation; relates a brief story about a man who traded an enslaved man for hogs.

Nicholas County Court. Coleman Ratliff, petitioner and owner of Frank, a 7 year-old slave, wished to sell him. "The Petitioner says he is to be free at the age of 35 years." Ordered that Frank may be sold, will be freed at the age of 35, and may not be removed from the state of Kentucky. Includes a description of Frank.

Regarding John Brown; "a friend of mine . . . says 'Old Brown' is not dead! There are some queer things about the whole affair. He was a tough old hero . . . I think he was a God-fearing man, & a real hero at heart. The transaction with which was connected has deeply moved the heart of the nation."

Concerning the proposed African Territory Act, which has been viewed favorably in Ohio. Smith believed it would be an "act of Mercy and Justice to both Black and White" to create a separate territory for African Americans, arguing that a bill was pending in Ohio to prevent the immigration of free African Americans into the state, and that several other free states had similar laws. Includes text of the proposed act.

She will send money from their brother, for clothing. When her sister travels to Milwaukee, he will send money for travel expenses. Nancy recently stayed with Henry at his large plantation in Louisiana. She remarks: "I should think the slaves the happiest servants in this country, I did not see any of the horrors we read of." Steamer travel up the Mississippi.

Document certifying that Adaline, a thirty-old slave of John T. Pleasant, has been manumitted contingent upon the Powhattan Court's issuing Adaline her "free papers." Pleasant's children inherited Adaline as part of the estate of John T. Pleasant upon his death.

Judgement of Grand Jury on William Brown, a free black man, "did . . . become & Still is unlawfully and feloniously a Member of a Secret Society of free Negroes, Called free Masones on the information of John Pope."

Request to help free a "young slave girl, about 15 years old, (so white that she could pass generally as a white girl)" as she is in New Jersey but expected to be returned South. She "is entitled to her liberty, having been permitted to come North by her owner." Discusses the boast of a Quaker who allegedly "slept with a negro, as a proof that he had no prejudice!" Laments someone's mentioning Washington and Jefferson as slave-holders, which will be circulated in the proslavery press.

Document for hire of a slave named Mary Ann for $65, with a list of items she is to be provided with, "not to be carried out of the State of Virginia."

Document for hire of a slave named Charles for $20, with list of items he is to be provided with. Included on back is a hand-written note that the jury awarded the plaintiff the amount specified in the bond plus interest.