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Mobile Alabama, Jan 1866

To the Congress of the United States of America

Petition

The undersigned members of the two Churches in the city of Mobile Ala. known as the Zion & State Street Churches, the same being colored congregations do, most respectfully represent to this congress, that prior to the action of the late administration & the act of congress in concequence of the late rebellion, in relation to the freedom of the colored man, they were held and owned as slaves; that although slaves they were still permitted, & to some extent encouraged in the worship of the God - in whom they believed; that yielding to the impulses of their religious feeling they have for many years past, devoted much of the proceeds of such time as their respective masters gave to them, to the purpose of buying ground and building up edifices in which to hold religious meetings; that the property thus secured was bought entirely through their own hard earnings and the voluntary contributions from those wishing them well, but

Transcription Notes:
In the title area is a seal with the words The National Archives of the United States.