Civil War Washington

PETITION.

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

Your Petitioner A. Thomas Bradley of Washington City by this his petition in writing represents and states that he is a person loyal to the United States who at the time of the passage of the said act of Congress held, as Trustee for E. M. Bradley an infant, a claim to service or labor against a female of African descent by the name of Ginnie (sometimes called Ginney Dorsey) about Twenty one years of age, five feet, two inches in height and of a dark chesnut​ color, for and during the life of said Ginnie who by said act of Congress was discharged and freed of and from all claim of your Petitioner to such service or labor:—

That your petitioner acquired his claim to the aforesaid service or labor of said Ginnie by virtue of a Bill of Sale executed by his brother J P H Bradley [illegible] of Washington City on the 1st day of April 1862, The objects and intent of which can be readily seen by reference to a copy of the same herewith filed

 

That your petitioner's claim to the service or labor of said Ginnie at the time of said discharge, was of the value of Eight Hundred Dollars in money; She is Faithful, Kind & honest, a good nurse; sometimes sick with rheumatism complaints, but as your petitioner is informed and believes, they do not materially affect her value, they certainly have not heretofore affected her hire.

Your Petitioner declares that he bears true & faithful allegiance to the Government of the United States and has never in any way given aid or comfort to its enemies—And Your Petitioner further states and alleges that at the time of the passage of the said Act of Congress, Ginnie was held to service or labor in the District of Columbia under and by virtue of your Petitioner's claim to such labor or service;—and that his said claim 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 his said claim herein set forth, and if valid, that they appraise and apportion the value of said claim in money and report the same to the Secretary of the Treasury in conformity with the provisions of the said act of Congress.