Civil War Washington

PETITION.

To the Commissioners under the act of Congress approved the 16th of April, 1862, entitled "An act for the release of certain persons held to service or labor in the District of Columbia."

Your Petitioner, Ann Green of the District of Columbia by this her petition in writing, represents and states, that she is a person loyal to the United States, who, at the time of the passage of the said act of Congress, held a claim to service or labor against ten— person of African descent of the name of Mary Jane, Henry, Charles, Susanna, Francis and John Gustavus Adolphus Dorsey—for and during the life of said persons and the unexpired term of service of Thomas Waters Aaron Edmonson, Rachel Henry and Phebe Edmonson until they arrive respectively, at the age of 35 years, except Phebe whose term of service expires at 30 years of age. for and during the life of said and that by said act of Congress said person are discharged and freed of and from all claim of your petitioner to such service or labor; that at the time of said discharge said persons were of the age of viz. Mary J. Dorsey 38, Henry 21, Charles 19, Susanna 16, Francis 14, Gustavus 10 Thomas Water 30, Aaron Edmonson about 27, Rachel 20 and Phebe Edmonson 22 of the age of and of the personal description following:(1)

• "Mary Jane", a bright mulatto, medium stature, first rate cook, fine disposition & most faithful servant in all respects.
• "Henry" Bright mulatto, remarkably honest, faithful, competent & in all respects a most valuable servant.
• "Charles" Very bright color, short stature, first rate farm hand & valuable servant.
• "Susanna"—Dark color, capable, amiable & first rate nurse.
• "Francis"—Dark color, very quick, bright countenance, very honest upright, capable, and reliable.
• "Gustavis", black color, open bright countenance, a very remarkable child as regards his instinctive goodness and capability—
• Thomas Waters, Black, rather tall, & straight, honest, upright & capable.
• Aaron Edmonson, Tall, black, rather straight, very active & capable
• Rachel Edmonson, Rather tall, black, athletic, honest and first rate servant.
• Phebe Edmonson, Very tall for a woman, black, robust, and capable of great endurance and determination.

 

That your petitioner acquired her claim to the aforesaid service or labor of said persons in manner following:(2) Viz. The mother of the Dorsey family was purchased in 1815 & the children were born and raised in my family. The others inherited from my mother Mrs. Rebecca Forrest. (see her will on file)

That your petitioner's claim to the service or labor of said persons was, at the time of said discharge therefrom, of the value of $9,400 dollars in money.(3) viz: Mary Jane, $1000, Henry $1500, Charles $1300, Susie $1100, Francis $1200, Guste $1200, & for the unexpired term of service of Toni $300, of Aaron $500, of Rachel $800, of Phebe $500, which is not less than their value to me, and they are all perfectly strong, stout, hearty, healthy, and free from disease.

Your petitioner hereby declares that she bears true and faithful allegiance to the Government of the United States, and that she has not borne arms against the United States in the present rebellion, nor in any way given aid or comfort thereto.

And your petitioner further states and alleges, that she has not brought said persons into the District of Columbia since the passage of said act of Congress; and that, at the time of the passage thereof, said persons were was held to service or labor therein under and by virtue of your petitioner's claim to such service or labor.

Your petitioner further states and alleges, that her said claim to the service or labor of said persons does not originate in or by virtue of any transfer heretofore made by any person who has in any manner aided or sustained the present rebellion against the Government of the United States.

And your petitioner prays the said Commissioners to investigate and determine the validity of her said claim to the service or labor of said persons herein above set forth; and if the same be found to be valid, that they appraise and apportion the value of said claim in money, and report the same to the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States, in conformity to the provisions of said act of Congress.