Civil War Washington

To the Emancipation Commissioners—

I Elizabeth J. Maddox—reside Corner of N 3d Streets East 5th Ward Washington City DC

State that at the time of the passage of the Act I held a Claim for the service or labour​ of a person of African desent​ Moses Smallwood a black or brown skin man 5 ft 6 or 8 inches in height good hair figure &c (age) I obtained from the Inventory & appraisement of the good's and chattles​ & personal estate of my father William R. Maddox late of Washington County (deceased) as made by Griffith Combe—and Thomas Blagden on 10th & 11th of January 1838. Under authority from the Judge of the Orphan's Court of said County said Moses was then a youth in his 18th year—I heired him from that estate he is now in his 42d year he is worth to me one hundred dollars clear of all expense for year as I can prove he can do as good work as any other man his hand not preventing him from sodding he is very industrious I want five hundred dollars for him he is worth more than that to me I further state that I am a true & loyal Citizen of the United States, and have not borne, Arm's against them during the present rebelion​ or in any way given aid or cofort​ thereto

I have not brought the slave into the district since the passage of this Act I further state that the Claim dos​ not originate by virtue of any transfer made by any person who is in any way or manner aided or sustained the rebellion over   against the United States—I close by asking the Board to determine the validity of the Claim—and report the same to the Secretary of the Treasury in conformity with the provisions of the Act