William v. John L. Alford. Petition for Freedom
To the Honble the Judges of the Circuit Court of the District of Columbia for Washington County
The petition of negro William humbly sheweth that your petitioner is entitled to his freedom, and is unjustly held in bondage & claimed as a slave by a certain Alford now of Washington County aforesaid. Wherefore he prays that the United States writ of subpona may be issued, directed to the said Defendant Alford, that he may be & appear before your Honors, & that your Petitioner may be released from servitude & obtain such other & further relief as to your Honors may seem right & according to law.
FSKey for Petr
18.
Negro William
agt
——— Alford
Mr Brent
will please to file this & give the petitioner a certificate, under seal, for his protection, & issue sbpa as prayed.
FSKey
filed 25th May 1826.
