nonwithstanding your
petitioner protected against such a course, the
said heirs of BaptisteBaptiste Duchouquette & Marie Thereze
his wife hold your petitioner as a slave for life
to Henry ChouteauHenry Chouteau of the City of St LouisCity of St Louis, who by
virtue of his purchase holds your petitioner in his
service & custody as his slave and deprives her of
her liberty contrary to the intent and meaning of
the agreement in writing above recited and
against the laws of this state.

She therefore prays that she may be
permitted to bring suit as a poor person against the said HenryHenry Chouteau ChouteauHenry Chouteau to establish her
freedom and that your honor will make such
order as will ensure to her
the rights & privileges which under the circumstances
of the case the law allows her.