James Thomas v. Thomas Beatty Jr. 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 James Thomas Humbly sheweth
That your Petitioner was born entitled to Freedom; yet he is detained in slavery by Thomas I Beatty Jr. who resides within the jurisdiction of this Court; he therefore prays that process may issue from your Honorable Court, so that he may assert his right, and
Your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray
James Thomas as in propria personae
8th Augst 1809
At the Trial of this Claim I will appear as Counsel for James Thomas
Henry Hiort
To Wm Brent Esqr
Clerk of the Court

119 215. 244. 195.
James Thomas
vs
Thos. I Beatty Jr
Petn for Freedom.
8th Augst 1809
Please issue a summons
H: Hiort
Filed 21th August 1809.