As a result of these various encounters, we filed Sophie's petition.

To the Honorable the Circuit Court of St Louis County The Petition[er] Celeste, for her self and children and grand Children, who are free persons of Color, Namely Sophie, Antoine, Paul and Auguste the daughter and sons of the said Celeste, and Edward and William the Children of Sophie, and the grand children of the said Celeste, Respectfully represents:

That in the life time of one Joseph [Toyon?] (who is now dead) who was an Inhabitant of the Town of St Louis in the late province of upper Louisianna Now State of Missouri, the said Joseph was possessed of a certain free Indian woman named Scypion, who is the mother of your Petitioner Celeste, and that the said Scypion was claimed by the said Joseph as a Slave, but without the least color of right or Justice, because, your Petitioner says, the said Scypion was an Indian woman and was free, according to the laws and usages of the Spanish government in upper Louisiana, and according to the laws of the United States, as your petitioner Celeste is informed and verily believes;

And your said Petitioner Celeste further represents, that she is the daughter of the said Scypion, and that the said Sophie, Antoine, Paul and Auguste are the children of your Petitioner Celeste, and that Edward & William are the children of the said Sophie, and the grand children of your Petitioner Celeste.

And your Petitioner Represents that they are claimed as slaves by the Representatives and heirs of Madam Helen Chevallier, Deceased, as slaves belonging to the Estate of the said Helen Chevallier, and by the Administrator of said Helen,

And your petitioner Celeste further represents that she is informed and believes, that Lefrenier Chouvin is the administrator of the said Helen.

And your petitioners Represent that they are actually held in slavery by the said Lefrenier Chouvin, deprived of their natural freedom, and are subjected entirely to his will and control.

Wherefore, your Petitioners Pray that they may be Permitted to bring their actions in this Court, against the said Lefrenier Chouvin administrator as aforesaid and against all or any of the heirs and legal Representatives of the said Helen Chevallier, for the recovery of their freedom thus unjustly with held from them, and that your Petitioners may be permitted to sue as poor perso[ns] and your petitioners will Ever Pray &c

[signed] Celeste for self & children

Teste: Benjaman A. Huntington, Attorney



I believe it was the kindest work and the best thing I had undertaken since I studied Law, and a looked with great anticipation for its positive effect on the Court. And as things turned out, although I was not disappointed in this respect, I suppose I am equally glad that I accepted the matched pistols.