.Mzk.MTg2

To the Legislature of Maine,

The Petition of Prince Shapleigh of Portland respectfully represents,

    That his brother Robert Shapleigh

born in Danville in this State, and a free citizen thereof is now confined in the Jail in Norfolk Virginia.

The said Robert is a seaman and was taken from the wreck of the vessel in which he sailed & was carried into Norfolk - Having lost his protection in the wreck of the vessel, he was put into jail for want of proof of his being a free man & your Petitioner now understands that he is liable to be sold for the payment of jail fees -

He therefore earnestly prays that the Legislature would interfere for his release

Witness Samuel Fessenden

                     his

[signed] Prince X Shapleigh

                    Mark