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February 5, 2025
Today in Texas History
On this day in 1840, the Congress of the Republic of Texas passed the Law of February 5. Though there were relatively few free black people in the republic, legislators attempted to restrict further the number of the unenslaved.
The law declared that all free black people who entered Texas after the Texas Declaration of Independence must leave the republic within two years, or be declared slaves for the rest of their lives. Those free black people who were already in the republic before Texas independence would keep their freedom.
Provisions were made for free black people who entered later to petition the Congress for exception. A petition entered by white neighbors on behalf of David and Abner Ashworth was approved Dec. 12, 1840. They were the only free black people, who entered Texas after the Declaration of Independence, to be given Congressional sanction to remain free.
The law declared that all free black people who entered Texas after the Texas Declaration of Independence must leave the republic within two years, or be declared slaves for the rest of their lives. Those free black people who were already in the republic before Texas independence would keep their freedom.
Provisions were made for free black people who entered later to petition the Congress for exception. A petition entered by white neighbors on behalf of David and Abner Ashworth was approved Dec. 12, 1840. They were the only free black people, who entered Texas after the Declaration of Independence, to be given Congressional sanction to remain free.