A mulatto of that class called free negroes.

by Lisa Y. Henderson

The committee of Divorce and Alimony to whom was refered the petition of William Smith of Heartford county have considered the Same and Report:

That it appears from the petition its self, that, the petitioner is a mulatoe of that class commonly called free Negroes. The committee are of opinion, that it is not only contrary to the true policy of this state, But unbecomeing the dignity of this house, to act on applications of this sort. The [sic] therefore recommend the adoption of the accompanying Resolution – Resolved, that the Member who Introduced the petitioner William Smith of Heartford county have leave to withdraw the same.

Respectfully submitted, /s/ Mathew Bain, Chm.

General Assembly Session Records, January 1827, North Carolina State Archives.