In 1769, on a voyage from Cuba to Jamaica, free black sailor Antonio Muray loaned a fellow sailor, John Taylor, a pistol. Arriving in Jamaica, Muray demanded its return but Taylor refused. The two men fought and Muray, "being a Black man was taken up at the Instance or Complaint of the Said John Taylor" and jailed. Antonio was then sold as an indentured servant to one Timothy Clear who paid his jail fees. Antonio charges that Clear gave him "unmerciful whipings frequently for six years." Finally, Clear sold Antonio's time of indenture to one Thomas Parson. Parsons still holds him in bondage and also treats him cruelly. Muray petitions for his freedom.
Or you may view all people.
Repository: North Carolina Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, North Carolina
