O Say Can You See

To the Honorable the Circuit court of the District of Columbia for the County of Washington the Petition of Negro Cato humbly sheweth

That your Petitioner is entitled to his freedom but is nevertheless held & detained in bondage as a slave by a certain Thomas Offutt Junior; and your Petitioner therefore prays a subpoena to be issued directed to the said Thomas Offutt Junior commanding to appear & answer to your Petitioner in the premisses, and that your honours will grand him such other relief as may seem just & right; and your Petitioner &c.

F.S. Key for Petitioner