Susan Bordley v. Anne Tilley. Petition for Freedom
To the Honble the Judges of the circuit court of the United States for the district of Columbia & county of Washington
The petition of Susan Bordley & her children Rachael Bordley,
Charlotte Bordley, Phillis Bordley & James Bordley
humbly sheweth, That your petitioner first named Susan Bordley is a native of the state of
Pennsylvania & was entitled by the laws of said state
to her freedom but to prevent her enjoying the benefit of the laws of the said State, she was forcibly brought
from said state by her then master & sold on certain conditions in the state of Maryland.
That since her arrival here she became the mother of the other persons above named on whose behalf she now
petitions, & that she together with her children are now unlawfully claimed & detained
in servitude by a certain Anne Tilley Your petitioner therefore prays on behalf of herself
& her children, that your Honors would take her case & her rights into consideration, &
authorize & direct such steps on the
premises as to the honble Court may appear meet. And your petitioner & her children will forever pray &c.
John Law Petr's atty.
211.
Susan Bordley & her children Rachael Charlotte Phillis & James
vs.
Anne Tilley
Mr Brent will please to file this petition & issue subpœna for this defendant
J Law
filed 10th July 1809
