1To Thomas Jefferson from William Cranch and Nicholas Fitzhugh, with Jefferson’s Order, 10 August 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
In the absence of the Chief Judge, the undersigned assistant Judges of the Circuit Court of the District of Columbia, who were present at the trial of the within named petitioner, respectfully represent to the President of the United States, that at December term 1803 the petitioner was convicted of stealing two geese, and sentenced to be whip’d fifteen stripes, to pay a fine of one dollar,...
2Enclosure: Petition of Charles Brown, 10 August 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The humble Petition of Charles Brown an unfortunate Black-Man most respectfully Sheweth—That He has been in confinement in Washington County Goal ever since last November & that He has sufferd the Law but is totally unable to extricate Him self from prison not having it his Power to pay the fine & Fees— He is upwards of fifty five Years of Age & has a Wife living in George who has been...