In the VA-ROOTS thread "Exodus of Free Blacks" it was asked whether readers
could be referred to the original document.

This provides the opportunity to make both historians and genealogists
aware of the availability of these documents online.

Due to a statute enacted two years ago by the General Assembly, any public
record in existence before 1901 may be exhibited online without
restriction.  Most of the images now available are digitized microfilm.

As a result of this act nearly all such records are now available by going
to the FamilySearch.org website, choosing "catalog," and using the search
box to choose the jurisdiction of the record being sought.  Within the
jurisdiction there are categories and subcategories.  This may be done at
home or anywhere, using only a free user name and password.

Here the order in question is in the Northumberland County Court Order Book
for 1844-1852 at pages 364-365.  (This is DGS 8357562, and the pages are at
frames 427-428.)

https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/401620?
availability=Family%20History%20Library

“October 14, 1850”
[p364] It appearing to this court by satisfactory evidence that there are a
number of free negroes about to remove from this county out of the
commonwealth of Va. at their own cost and whence by our [p365] making
appropriations for the removal of free persons of color and for other
purposes passed the 11th. March 1850 which among other things directs that
it shall be the duty of the county and corporation courts to charge the
legal tax for the seal of the court and attestation of every copy of
registration by them to every free negro and to acco. [account] with the
Auditor of Public Accounts for such tax &c.  and the object of such tax
being to raise a fund for the removal of free negroes out of this
Commonwealth, Therefore the court doth direct its Clerk: not to charge the
tax aforesaid to any free negro who obtains his papers for the purpose of
removing out of the Commonwealth at his or her own costs.

The excellent and substantial answers in the thread obviate the need for
additional comment.

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