Letter from Nancy Polk, Roanoke County, to Governor Joseph Johnson, Richmond. N.d. (received 6 September 1855). Manuscript. Letters Received, Office of the Governor, Executive Letter Books, 1848–1860. Library of Virginia.

August the 17th 1855

Governer of the commonwealth of Virginia I want to know if there is any law for a woman that’s been lawfully married about twenty three or four years and now parted for to get her living he is selling of the property and says that he is determend to sell the land or rent it out I am in my house yet and on the possession my father give me the cause is left blank will you please to write back to me as quick as possible if I can hold any part of the living I have got the children 5 Nancy Polk is my name ad Daniel Polk is my husbands name

I want my support if it is law I would like to hold the land for I did not cause the insult this letter is wrote to you secretly ad if you will be pleased to write to me direct your letter to Catawba post office Roanoke Co Va

Nancy Polk
Erastus H. Taylor Witness