Esther Bradley v. Elizabeth Wilson. 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 Esther Bradley humbly sheweth, That your petitioner is unlawfully held in slavery by Elizabeth Wilson administratrix of Alexander Wilson deceased & that she is justly entitled to her freedom, inasmuch as she was bought by the said Alexander in the state of Virginia, while the said Alexander was a resident of the state of Maryland, & brought shortly after into this county of the district of Columbia then under the Jurisdiction of Maryland contrary to law. Your petitioner therefore prays that your honors will take her case into consideration, & take such steps for the examination & trial of her claim, as to your Honors will seem lawful & proper.
And your Petr will ever pray &c.
John Law Petr atty
Esther Bradley
Petn[?] slave
vs.
Elizabeth Wilson
admx of Alexr Wilson
petition.
Mr Brent will please to file this petition & issue subpena thereon.
John Law.
Filed 10 October 1811.
