Complex sentence: They even perverted the intention of a British circular which mandated giving slaves passes to attend services--on 16 August 1823, Governor Murray issued a circular which required slaves to obtain owners' special dispensation to attend church meetings or services.
Split into simpler sentences: They even perverted the intention of a British circular which mandated giving slaves passes to attend services. On 16 August 1823, Governor John Murray issued a circular which required slaves to obtain owners' special dispensation to attend church meetings or services.