Brent, This database is of tremendous value to researchers, especially those looking for petitions relating to free Negroes and slaves. Although I'm researching Norfolk's African Americans, I found the database to be very useful in locating source information on petitions dealing with subjects such as slavery, manumission and African colonization in other counties within the state. I recently compiled a list of Norfolk-area and other county petitions using Loren Schweninger's microform project, Race, Slavery and Free Blacks, but could not find citations that would lead me to the original petitions. This database fills in the gap. Hollis Gentry __________________________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Tax Center - File online, calculators, forms, and more http://tax.yahoo.com To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html