PAR #: 11682404
Location: Richmond City , VA • Year: 1824

Abstract: Lewis Bowlah (spelled Bolah, Bowlan, Bowlu, Bowlou, Bowlagh) was sold from Virginia to New Orleans. In 1812, he betrayed an insurrection plot among slaves, free people of color, and "a few abandoned and lawless white persons." If he had not disclosed the plot there would have been a "general scene of conflagration." In 1813, he was manumitted "under the hand" of William C. C. Claiborne, Governor of Louisiana. Fearing for his safety, he returned the following year to Richmond. He asks for residency status, having been born and raised in the Richmond area.