| Part of Series | B |
|---|---|
| Microfilm Reel in Collection Series | 13 |
| Microfilm Frame on Reel | 45 |
| Accession Number (identifies petition on microfilm) | 20381301 |
| County | Sussex |
| State | Delaware |
| Year Legislative Petition Filed | 1813 |
| Abstract of Petition | In 1811, Isaac Clowes [Clows} went to the Sussex County jail to arrange the release of free blak Stephen, accused of stealing $12 worth of bacon from Thomas Evans. If conviced, Miller faced being sold to the highest bidder for seven years. Clows told Miller that he knew Evans as well as the man who owned Miller's slave wife and children. He would arrange Miller's release if he would sign an indenture to work for him for ten years. In addition, Clows said he would purchase Miller's wife and children if the wife would work for him for seven years, and the children until they reached age twenty five. He would then free them. Miller agreed and signed the indenture. Later, however he was tried, convicted, and sentenced to pay Evans $24, twice the cost of the bacon. When he was sold for two years, he petitioned the governor and obtained clemency. But the indenture remains, Miller says, and he asks the court to have it "cancelled and delivered up to him as Null and Void and unlawful." It was obtained, Miller says, under false pretenses. |
If you are citing this record, please use the following format:
[Author (if known)], Abstracts of Petitions to Southern County Courts, 1775-1867, [Date (if known)], Enduring Connections: Exploring Delmarva’s Black History, Nabb Research Center, Salisbury University.
Pinned records can be viewed at any time by clicking the More menu in the top right corner of the page, then selecting My Pinned Records.