This is an artificial collection made up of various documents that provide evidence of the free status of individual persons in the city of New Orleans during the years 1854-1858. Among the items are certificates from public officials, copies of notarial acts, extracts from the Registers of Free People of Color maintained in the Mayor's Office, extracts from records in the Orleans Parish Conveyance Office, court judgments, and affadavits from private citizens.

Each of these documents at least identifies the free person and makes some reference to the source of his freedom. Some of the items also include additional identification or other information about the individuals. Some of the items give the appearance of actually having been carried as proof of freedom by the named individuals. Others may be record copies retained in the files of the issuing agency. Click the image to access materials.