Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Woodson, Cuffy (fl. 1824) [Petition for the emancipation for Fanny and Patsy Woodson]

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06592 Author/Creator: Woodson, Cuffy (fl. 1824) Place Written: Maury County, Tennessee Type: Document signed Date: circa 1824 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 31.4 x 19.1 cm. Order a Copy

Official document reporting that since Cuffy Woodson was emancipated, he purchased his wife Fanny Woodson, "a mulatto woman," and her child Patsy from his former master Micajob Moorman. Cuffy "further represents to your worship that the sd. Fanny & Patsy have done good & meritorious services to him by their extraordinary obedience fidelity & affection & that it is naturally against his feeling to hold his sd wife Fanny and his child Patsy as his slaves, & he hopes this this feeling will not be deem'd unworthy of being sanctioned by your worship. He therefore prays that the sd Fanny & Patsy may be emancipated & made to all intents & purposes free persons..." Cuffy signs with his mark, an "x." Appears to be authorized by attorneys [Cobb & Dill?]. Docket notes that the petition was granted by the court, signed by J. B. Porter.

The circa date of 1824 was previously estimated.

Woodson, Cuffy, fl. 1824
Woodson, Patsy, fl. 1824

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources