CONTENT WARNING
Materials in the Library of Virginia’s collections contain historical terms, phrases, and images that are offensive to modern readers. These include demeaning and dehumanizing references to race, ethnicity, and nationality; enslaved or free status; physical and mental ability; and gender and sexual orientation.
Context
After the American Revolution, some Virginians, inspired by the language of liberty, freed their enslaved laborers. By 1800 the population of free Black men and women had increased to nearly 20,000, primarily in urban areas like Richmond and Petersburg. Many white Virginians feared that their presence would disrupt the state's racial hierarchy. After Gabriel's Conspiracy to plan a slave rebellion was thwarted in 1800, the General Assembly sought to place more restrictions on emancipation.
In 1806 the General Assembly passed a law requiring enslaved people emancipated after that date to leave the state within one year's time. Those who remained in the Commonwealth for more than a year could be sold back into slavery. The law was not always followed, however, and many freed men and women remained safely in their communities because white residents chose not to enforce the law. Some freed people received permission from the local courts to remain in Virginia, and some petitioned the General Assembly asking to stay.
In December 1812, Jenny Parker was emancipated following the death of enslaver Josiah Wilson. She explained that "all her children and friends" lived in Surry County, where she wished to remain. One of Parker's children had been previously emancipated and owned real estate, personal property, and provided for two of her other children. She petitioned for special permission to remain in Virginia. Relatives of her enslaver and white neighbors supported her petition, but the General Assembly rejected her request. Whether Jenny Parker was re-enslaved, or forced to leave, or managed to remain safely in Surry County is not known.
Related Document Bank entry: Clara Robinson, Petition to Remain, 1848
Learn more about legislative petitions and search for other examples here.
Standards
Suggested Questions
Scan It: Scan the transcript of the document. What information does it provide about the basis for the petition?
Post Activities
Think About It: Why would Virginia require freed people to leave the state? Consider that Gabriel's Rebellion occurred in 1800 and how this event which included the threat of an uprising amongst enslaved people impacted public opinion. How might that event have affected lawmakers' decisions to place restrictions on newly freed people?
Another Perspective: What is significant about Jenny Parker’s petition? What made her situation unique?