An Introduction into the History of Slavery in
Prince George's County
Free by Birth
Maryland Prince Georges County

On this 27th day of April 1844 Came Ruth Etcherson widow of Ephviom Etcherson before me
the undersigned and made oath in the Holy Evangely of Almighty God that negro Basil who
calls himself Basil mentioned in Rachel O'Briants will late of said County deceased and that said
Basil is now twenty-seven years of age. Sworn before Philemon Chew Regs.

* * *

to the honorable judges of the first Judical District Court for the State of Maryland for Prince
George's County.

The humble petition of Milly Ogleton sheweth that your petitioner is detained in slavery by
Osburn Boone; and as she is entitled to her freedom having been descended from a free
woman she prays that process may be awarded to compel the appearance of the said Osburn
Boone to answer her complaint.
E.M. Lowe for Petitioner

Summons
Prince George's County, to wit: The State of Maryland to the Sheriffs of Prince George's
County greeting. We command that you summon Osborn Boone. All excuses and delays set
aside he appear before the next County court to be held for the County aforesaid at Upper
Marlboro Town in said county on the first Monday in April next, to answer the petition of Milly
Ogleton preferred against him for freedom; and in the mean time the said Osborn Boone shall
not transport the said Milly Ogleton from the State of Maryland but shall suffer and permit her
to appear at the said County court at the place and on the day aforesaid to prosecute her said
petition and shall at all times suffer the said Milly Ogleton to have a reasonable time to advise
with her counsel on her said Petition; and shall also in the mean time clothe, feed, and use the
said Milly Ogleton well Here she shall not fail at his peril and fail you not at your peril and have
you then and there this witness, the Honorable John McGantt Chief Judge of the First Judical
District the 3d day of September Anno Domini 1810 Jn. R. Magruder Jr. Issued the 10th day
of September 1840.
Prince George's Court (Black) MHR, Folder 8