Virginia Memory, Library of Virginia
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THIS DAY IN VIRGINIA HISTORY

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June 16, 1675

Virginia (Colony), Colonial Papers, Petition, 1675 June 16, Accession 36138, State Government Records Collection, Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia.

Phillip Gowen Was Freed

Phillip Gowen was an African American indentured servant. He petitioned Governor Sir William Berkeley (1605–1677) to seek relief from his master, whom he declared was attempting to prolong his servitude. After reviewing the petition, the governor and council ordered that Gowen be freed. This document gives an example of the precarious situation of African Americans in the early colony before slavery was completely institutionalized.