[GENERAL ASSEMBLY]
The issue on the table: James has petitioned once again for freedom
Now does the Virginian Act of 1783 apply here or should he just drop it?
Remember, our decision on this matter is not subject to trial or tribunal
The only people you have to convince are us
Mr. Lafayette, you have the floor, sir

[MARQUIS LAFAYETTE]
When we were on death’s door, when we were needy
We made a promise, we can’t be cheeky
We needed intel and maps and lists of names
Who provided those facts?

[GENERAL ASSEMBLY]
James

[MARQUIS LAFAYETTE]
His commissions went on just as planned
And he was promised that we’d lend a hand
And stand with him if he fought against oppressors
And abolition is messy but now is the time to stand
Stand with our brother as he fights against bigotry
I know that William Armistead is here and he
Would rather not have this debate
I’ll remind you that he is not master of fate
James is industrious and faithful
Entitled to reward, but always stays grateful
Desperate to earn liberation
Even agrees that his master should receive compensation
[ENSEMBLE]
Ooh!!

[MARQUIS LAFAYETTE]
Hey, and if ya don’t know, now ya know, General Assembly

[GENERAL ASSEMBLY]
Thank you, Mr Lafayette
Now we present our response
Our Assembly, as of now, formally decrees
James shall enjoy full freedom as if he had been born free
We’re meddling in the middle of a monetary mess
We’ll now address, how Will’s payoff will be assessed
We’ll appoint the proper person to audit his fair value
Pass it to the bursar, treasurer, what have you
Should he pay out of pocket for the amends?
Nah… Pay out of the general fund, go ahead

[HEAD OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY]
Alright. Lafayette is right

[MARQUIS LAFAYETTE]
General Assembly, —

[HEAD OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY]
That was ample, don’t start another fight
[MARQUIS LAFAYETTE]
But sir, has he not earned a pension?

[HEAD OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY]
Sure, but that’s not the matter of contention

[MARQUIS LAFAYETTE]
He’s already pleading—

[HEAD OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY]
He’s far from retiring
Don’t be so dense. Frankly, it’s a little disquieting you would pile that issue onto your enquiry
Gentlemen--

[GENERAL ASSEMBLY]
Sir

[HEAD OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY]
Draft an act of legality

[MARQUIS LAFAYETTE]
Is this about public debt?

[HEAD OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY]
What?
[MARQUIS LAFAYETTE]
Or is this willful intent?
You reward some with money, you reward some with land
Yet I mention payment and I’m out of hand?

[HEAD OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY]
James’ a young, smart man, he’ll be fine
When he proves he’s in need, maybe I’ll sign
If we try to help every slave in Virginia, we never stop
Where do we draw the line?

[MARQUIS LAFAYETTE]
So damned rigid

[HEAD OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY]
Alas, I admit it

[MARQUIS LAFAYETTE]
It’s called tolerance, your honor

[HEAD OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY]
Your racial cause is insipid

[MARQUIS LAFAYETTE]
Huh. Well, someone oughta remind you

[HEAD OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY]
What?

[MARQUIS LAFAYETTE]
You were British slaves til’ France revived you