{"petition":[{"petition_analysis_number":"20486309","petition_url":"https:\/\/dlas.uncg.edu\/petitions\/petition\/20486309","state":"District of Columbia","county":"Washington","location_type":"County","file_day":7,"file_month":1,"file_year":1863,"filing_court":"Circuit","enslaved_count":1,"fpoc_count":1,"total_people_count":3,"repository":"National Archives, Washington, D. C.","abstract":"On 16 April 1862, Congress passed an act abolishing slavery in the District of Columbia.  Owners were required to file a schedule of slaves with the court, which issued certificates of freedom.  On 12 July 1862, another act permitted minor masters, absentee owners, and slaves themselves to file for certificates of freedom.  Maria Stevenson, belonging to Caroline Noland, of Montgomery County, Maryland, seeks her freedom.","subjects":[{"subject":"Testimony (FPOC)"},{"subject":"Abolition"},{"subject":"Absentee owners"},{"subject":"Manumission"}]}]}