Sophia Smith, Eliza Matthews, and C. J. Williams, "having an interest or being owners of a colored man named Lewis Williams aged about sixty five years," are "anxious and desirous that the said Lewis Williams should be emancipated." The petitioners believe that the "old and faithful servant" is entitled to his freedom. They further "recommend him to be a man of unblemished character, honest and industrious, and in every respect a suitable person for emancipation." The petitioners therefore pray “that the General Assembly may look favorably on his case, and enfranchise the said Lewis as we have no doubt he will make an upright and good citizen.”
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Repository: North Carolina Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, North Carolina
