His manner is contradictory.

by Lisa Y. Henderson

TAKEN UP.

And committed to the Jail of Craven County, on the 14th inst. A Negro Man, who says his name is John Carpenter, alias Abraham, that he is free, and a native of Fairfield County, Connecticut. He is about 5 feet 10 inches high; 21 or 22 years of age, of light complexion, and had on when taken, light domestic clothing. From the contradictory manner in which he accounts for himself, there is little doubt but he is a runaway slave. He has no free papers, but exhibits a paper professing to be a pass, which is believed to be a forgery. The owner, if any, is requested to come forward, prove property, pay charges, and take said Negro away. JORDAN S. CARROW, Jailor. Newbern August 22, 1829.

North Carolina Sentinel, New Bern, 19 December 1829.