William v. Stephen Cantrell. Petition to Sue In Forma Pauperis

To the Honble. the Judges of the United States Circuit Court for the District of Columbia
Your petitioner William humbly complains that he is now illegally confined in the Jail of Alexandria County by Stephen Cantrell to whom he was sold by John Hodgskins and being desirous of relieving himself from confinement & of being permitted to sue in forma pauperis. he therefore prays that this Honble. Court will assign him counsel to prepare a Statement and his opinion of this case. and shall pray &c
William

Negroe William
v
S. Cantrell.
Petition for leave to sue in forma pauperis.