Petition for the Emancipation of Liley, November 1, 1847

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Liley was able to save enough to purchase her own freedom, and more than 80 people, including her owner, signed this petition to the legislature to allow her to become emancipated and live free without having to leave Texas. By 1860, most loopholes that allowed slaves to become free had been closed.

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State of Texas County of Harris To the Honorable the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Texas We the undersigned present to the favorable consideration of the Representatives of the Free inhabitants of the State of Texas the Colored Woman Liley, who has been a resident of the City of Houston for the last five years. By her industry and good conduct she has been enabled to realize sufficient of means to purchase her freedom, and we feel interested in her case and feel that it is one of those case that ought to recived the favorable notice of a free and generous people and as such we ask that a law may be passed emanci- pating her, and authorizing her to remain in Texas. Houston Nov 1st 1847 I Cynthia Ewing lately the owner of the Colored Woman Liley, do certify that she is a woman of a good moral character, that she has fully paid me for her liberty - and I ask that the Legislature of Texas may pass a law tode emancipate her. [signatures]

Petition for the Emancipation of Liley, November 1, 1847, Legislature, Memorials and Petitions, Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.