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Courtesy of the David M. Rubenstein Americana Collection
Courtesy of the David M. Rubenstein Americana Collection
Slave Petition
Courtesy of the David M. Rubenstein Americana Collection

Slave Petition

Artifact IDTL 2026.1.26
Object Type Temporary Loan
Date April 20, 1773
Author (active 1773 - 1777)
Author (American, 1719 - 1797)
Author (b. Africa, 1743 - 1794)
Author (1773 - 1774)
Place MadeBoston, Massachusetts, United States of America
Medium Broadside
Dimensionsframed H 28 in x W 18 in (71.1 cm x 45.7 cm )
Physical Descriptionoriginal copy of a historic 1777 abolitionist broadside printed in Boston, Massachusetts. Dated April 20, 1777, the document is a petition drafted by a committee of enslaved African Americans—including Peter Bestes, Sambo Freeman, Felix Holbrook, and Chester Joie—sent to the Massachusetts legislature to demand their natural right to freedom.



Historical NoteEvidence of resistance to slavery in the American colonies can be found in the various petitions by enslaved people to state legislatures, seeking release from their bondage. This petition is an example written before the Declaration of Independence. It begins by comparing the desire of the colonists “to free themselves from slavery” with their own desire for freedom: “as the people of this province seem to be actuated by the principles of equity and justice, we cannot but expect your house will again take our deplorable case into serious consideration, and give us that ample relief which, as men, we have a natural right to.”
Additional Details
Credit Lineon loan courtesy of the David M. Rubenstein Americana Collection
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPolitical Memorabilia (National Archives Identifier 1677287)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - FullyUse Restriction NoteThe use of this image and document information is fully restricted. Reproduction in any manner is not allowed.
In Collection(s)
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On view