Rachel Shorter et al. v. Ann Casanave. Petition for Freedom
To the Honorable the Judges of the Circuit Court of the United States for the District of Columbia and County of Washington.
The Petition of Rachel Shorter in behalf of herself and her Infant Child Thomas. of Mary Shorter, in behalf of herself and her Infant Child Charles; of Sarah Smith in behalf of herself and her Infant Children Thomas, and Jeremiah; and of William Shorter, humbly sheweth unto your Honors. That your Petitioners are free Persons decended in the direct female line from a free White Woman, and are unjustly detained in slavery by a certain Ann Casanave of the County of Washington aforesaid, as they are prepared to verify. They therefore pray that your Honors will take their case into consideration and that a subpoena may issue to the said Ann Casanave and that your Petitioners may have a trial according to Law and such other process be ordered for their relief as to your Honors may seen meet and proper.
And your Petitioners will ever pray &c
Thomas Randall for Petitioners.
405
Rachel Shorter, Mary Shorter Sarah Smith & Wm Shorter in behalf of themselves & children
vs.
Ann Casanave.
Petition for Freedom.
Fd 29 July 1822
