O Say Can You See

To the honourable the judges of the General Court

The petition of Ralph Butler humble sheweth that he is held in slavery by John Lucas of St Marys County altho he is entitled to his freedom being the son of Nelly Butler who was Daughter of Jane Butler who was Daughter of Eleanor Butler a free white woman. Your petitioner therefore prays your honors to Direct summons to issue against the said John Lucas and that the premises considered he be Discharged and he will pray and so forth.

G. Duvall for Petr