Nicholas Reester v. Bates. Petition for Freedom

 

The petition of Nicholas Reester respectfully shows to the Court that one — Bates of Mobile holds him illegally in Slavery, and that upon complaint of this to a Magistrate he was committed for the purpose of affording him an opportunity of making this petition to the jail of the County of Alexandria, and that he is still in jail.

Your petitioner states to the Court that his mother Becky Foster[?] was given by John Foster of Baltimore to his son John Foster and Elizabeth his wife. That he was born the slave of said John Foster the younger. And that he has been regularly manumitted and set free by May[?] Gill[?] of Baltimore the only remaining child of said John and Elizabeth Foster. That notwithstanding this, Solomon Foster the brother of the said John Foster, who has no right or claim to your petitioner, has sold him into slavery.

Your petitioner therefore prays the Court that he may be permitted to sue for his freedom in forma pauperis.

Nicholas Reester

 

I have examined the evidence in the case and am of opinion that the Petitioner is entitled to his freedom.
Edgar Snowden
Counsel[?] for Petitioner

 

Nicholas Reester
Petition to sue for Freedom in forma Pauperis

Nicholas Reester
vs
Solomon Foster
— Bates

Petition

1835. May Term 5th day
Leave given to sue in forma pauperis.