Nova Scotia Archives

Looking Back, Moving Forward: Documenting the Heritage of African Nova Scotians

Appendix 15: Petition of the Reverend Robert Willis, D.D., Rector of St. Paul's Church, on behalf of the Colored People in Halifax
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And a small Salary to assist in the support of the Master and Mistress, has been procured from a benevolent Association in England, whose efforts are principally directed to the benefit of People of Color. But that the debt of Eighty Pounds now due, cannot be paid, nor the comfortable support of the exemplary Master and Mistress provided for, unless some farther assistance can be procured.

      That under these circumstances, the People of Color in this town, naturally turn to the Provincial Legislature, who have ever been ready to assist the instruction of the Poor— and with an humble hope, that while successful efforts are made throughout the British Nation, to raise their race from the degradation to which they have been exposed for ages, there will be no want of inclination in the General Assembly of Nova Scotia to contribute to the permanent improvement of their condition, by aiding the efforts now charitably made for the Instruction of Colored Children, that they may fill their humble stations with credit to themselves, and advantage to the Community; and be assisted by religious Knowledge in their progress towards that Kingdom, which has been prepared by infinite Mercy for the faithful and obedient children of God, of every Country, and of every Race.

      That your Petitioner abstains from entering into a particular description of the method and order observed in the School, from an hope, that some Members


Reference: Nova Scotia Archives RG 1 volume 292 number 134

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