John Bacchus Burvill v. William Melvin et al. Petition for Freedom
To the Honorable the Judges of the Circuit Court of the District of Columbia, for the County of Washington,
The Petition of John Bacchus Burvill humbly sheweth,
That your Petitioner was a slave belonging to William Grayson of County in Virginia at the time of his Death. That the Executor of said Grayson's Estate is one William Melvin. that he left a widow who has since intermarried with one Beale, and two sons who he believes are still living, to wit. John Grayson & Peter Grayson. Your Petitioner was brought or sent from said County in Virginia about the in the year Eighteen hundred and into the County of Washington & District of Columbia, to reside therein, contrary to the provisions of the act of Assembly of Maryland, then & now of force in the said County of Washington, whereby (as he is advised) he is entitled to his freedom, & prays your honors to allow him a trial therefor & his discharge from slavery if he shall be found Entitled to it.
B L Lear for Petr
43
John Bacchus Burvill
vs
Wm Melvin Exr of Wm Grayson, decd, ____ Beale & Polly his wife John Grayson Peter Grayson
Mr Brent
Please file this Petn & issue subpoenas.
B. L. Lear
4 June 1824.
Filed June 6th 1824
Cert. given to Petitioner
