"Joint Resolution," June 5, 1837

Summary: The Texas Congress issued a decree allowing all free blacks living in Texas before the independence of Texas to remain in Texas free from harassment.

For the relief of Free Persons of Color.

Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Texas, in Congress assembled, That all free Africans or descendants of Africans, who were residing within the republic of Texas at the date of the declaration of Independence, and their natural issue, are hereby granted and allowed the privilege of remaining in any part of the republic as long as they choose; on the condition of performing all the duties required of them by law.

B. T. ARCHER,

Speaker of the house of representatives.

JESSE GRIMES,

President pro tem. of the senate.

Approved, June 5, 1837.

SAM. HOUSTON.

Source Copy Consulted: "Joint Resolution," June 5, 1837, reprinted in H.P.H. Gammel, The Laws of Texas, 1822-1897, 12 vols., (Austin: Gammel Book Co., 1898), 1:1292. http://texinfo.library.unt.edu/lawsoftexas