Calvin, Agnes, fl. 1863 [Petition of a free black to become a slave of a master of her choice]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC08955 Author/Creator: Calvin, Agnes, fl. 1863 Place Written: Marion County, Texas Type: Manuscript document signed Date: May 1863 Pagination: 2 p. ; 32.5 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Petitions for the right to choose her master. States that since she is "a free person of Africa descent" she is entitled to "choose a master for herself and two said children," and the "petitioner makes choice of J.S.H. Hossack to become her master." Though free, Calvin has been struggling so badly to get by that she is willing to have a master of her choosing in exchange for subsistence for herself and her family. Petition made "to the honorable B. W. Gray." Signed by Calvin wih her mark. For related documents see GLC03840, GLC06375, and GLC09123.
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