3

This is to certify that I have known the bearer Mary
Cooley - from my earliest infancy. She belonged to my father
and after his death to my Mother whose maid-servant
she was untill her death. Mary was born in my fathers
family and after the death of her Mistress was allowed
to purchase her freedom at a moderate price by the
terms of my fathers will or rather to choose her own master
at a moderate price. She purchased herself and [presumably?]
she has always borne the highest character
during her whole life. both in my family and
since her freedom to the best of my knowlege and
I should myself rejoice if this court would indulge her
in permitting her to remain in this State and I doubt
if a stronger case for its assembly could be presented.
M Wickham
Richmond Feb 13/59

James G. Brooks
Thos H. Roberts
John O Chiles
Tho R Price
Patrick Cullen MD
John Grame
Saml M Price & Co
E W Tompkins