Nicholas Matthews, a free man of color, states that in 1846 his son, Charles, was bound to Lemuel Duvall as an apprentice. About two years ago, Duvall and his family moved away from Maryland, leaving Charles "without a protector." Matthews is afraid that his son "will not be able to receive his freedom dues" and the neighbors are afraid to hire Charles because he is the legal property of Duvall. Matthews asks that the indenture be revoked and annulled and "sum other proper disposition made of the boy." The petitioner claims that he is able to support his son, and he asks that Charles not be bound to anyone else, and permitted to stay with him "the short time that yet remains of his time."
Or you may view all people.
Repository: Maryland State Archives, Annapolis, Maryland
