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Virginia Reprsentative Complains of the New York S

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NICHOLAS, John (1761-1819) was an American lawyer, farmer, and politician from Williamsburg, Virginia. He represented Virginia in the U.S. House from 1793 to 1801. In 1803 Nicholas moved to Geneva, New York and started a farm. From 1806 until 1809 he served in the New York State Senate. Autograph Letter Signed, "John Nicholas" 3p. quarto, March 1802, with integral leaf addressed to James Rees of Geneva, New York, and reads in part: "...I apprehend considerable difficulty from your slave laws - one in particular as to sending them before the owner goes to take up his residence. The part which requires twelve months property before they carried is also very inconvenient as it is a work of time to make the exchanges which will be necessary & the more time for being select in your choice. I have written to Colo. Troop & a friend of mine in New York to consult them about the law on the first point - on their answer will depend on our sending out hands immediately. Would it not be well to endeavor to get some change in the law in points which will not encourage the carrying slaves - so long as you keep up the prohibition to their being sold you have nothing to apprehend - indeed I do not believe you need expect many emigrants at all except from that class who go to get away from slaves..." VG.

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