Letter From Abraham Fuller Hull To Jacques Lasselle Threatening Suit If Lasselle Does Not Release His

Letter from Abraham Fuller Hull to Jacques Lasselle threatening suit if Lasselle does not release his slaves in accordance with the ordinance of 1787. Transcript reads: "Detroit, 5 June, 1805. Sir. Antony Smith, a black man has applied to me, to release his wife and children, from slavery. He says you hold them as slaves. As you must be sensible as well as myself, that slavery is prohibited, by the ordinance which forms this territory, you cannot hold them as such. By giving his wife and children to him now, you will save yourself much trouble and expense. If you refuse I shall immediately commence my suits, which will be expensive to you, and will surely recover them in August. I am Sir very respectfully your hle svt A.F. Hull, Atty for Ple. Jaques Lassell Esq."

Burton Historical Collection, Detroit Public Library