and Mr. Smith, who jointly became
security for my appearance at court.

This was on Monday; and on Wednesday I appeared before the court; but as
my prosecutors were not ready for the trial, the case was laid over three
months, to the next term.

I then proceeded to get up a petition to the Legislature. It required
much hard labor and persuasion on my part to start it; but after that, I
readily obtained the signatures of the principal men in the place.--Then I
went round to the members, many of whom were known to me, calling upon
them at their rooms, and urging them for my sake, for humanity's sake, for
the sake of my wife and little ones, whose hopes had been excited by the
idea that they were even now free; I appealed to them as husbands,
fathers, brothers, sons, to vote in favor of my petition, and allow me to
remain in the State long enough to purchase my family. I was doing well in
business, and it would be but a short time before I could accomplish the
object. Then, if it was desired, I and my wife and children, redeemed from
bondage, would together seek a more friendly home, beyond the dominion of
slavery. The following is the petition presented, endorsed as the reader
will see:

_To the Hon. General Assembly of the State of North Carolina._

GENTLEMEN:--The petition of Lunsford Lane humbly shews--That about five
years ago, he purchased his freedom from his mistress, Mrs. Sherwood
Haywood, and by great economy and industry has paid the purchase money;
that he has a wife and seven children whom he has agreed to purchase,
and for whom he has paid a part of the purchase money; but not having
paid in full, is not yet able to leave the State, without parting with
his wife and children.

Your petitioner prays your Honorable Body to pass a law, allowing him to
remain a limited time within the State, until he can remove his family
also. Your petitioner will give bond and good security for his good
behaviour while he remains. Your petitioner will ever pray, &c.

LUNSFORD LANE.

* * * * *

The undersigned are well acquainted with Lunsford Lane, the petitioner,
and join in his petition to the Assembly for relief.

Charles Manly, Drury Lacy,
R.W. Haywood, Will. Peck,
Eleanor Haywood, W.A. Stith,
Wm. Hill, A.B. Stith,
R. Smith, J. Brown,