One hundred thirty-seven residents of Lenoir County "have long felt the need of Legislative aid, to alleviate the grievances, and perhaps save the life of several of our Citizens from being lost ... [or] wounded by Trying to apprehend those outlyers or runaway Negroes." The petitioners assert that "if a white man should happen to take the life of a runaway negro in Trying to apprehend Said Slave, it is a violation of the law" and the man is "bound to pay for Such Slave." They further declare that "in consequence of the law as it now is we as Citizens do not feel a willingness to risk our lives to apprehend Such Slaves." The petitioners propose instead that "the man or men who will risk his life to apprehend such negro or negroes after being run a way" from his owner for two weeks or more and "not returning home in that time" be compensated and that the said slave "should be considered ... to be Outlawed and the man Taking such negro Dead or a live Shall receive Ten dollars reward."
Result: Referred to judiciary committee.
Or you may view all people.
Repository: North Carolina Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, North Carolina
