Mr. Battle then enclosed the foregoing correspondence to Messrs. Scott and
Womble, requesting their "favorable consideration." They returned the
correspondence, but neglected to make any reply.
In consequence, however, of this action on the part of my friends, I was
permitted to remain without further interruption, until the day the
Legislature commenced its session. On that day a warrant was served upon
me, to appear before the county court, to answer for the sin of having
remained in the place of my birth for the space of twenty days and more
after being warned out. I escaped going to jail through the kindness of
Mr. Haywood, a son of my former master, 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.