He was formerly a slave and wants to free his wife.

by Lisa Y. Henderson

To the Worshipful the Justices of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for the County of Craven

The Petition of Robert Lisbon humbly sheweth. –

That your Petitioner was formerly a slave, and in consequence of his meritorious services was on the petition of his master emancipated under the license of this worshipful Court. Your Petitioner further sheweth that being married to a negro woman slave the property of John C. Osborn usually named Venus, your Petitioner purchased the said Venus and is now in law her master. Your Petitioner sheweth that the conduct of the said Negro woman Venus has been highly meritorious and exemplary and that your Petitioner is anxious to be permitted to emancipate her. He prays that your Worships on being satisfied of these facts will graciously accord him a licence to set her free. And your Petitioner will ever & gratefully pray.  Robt Lisbon by Will: Gaston

[Judgment granted.]

Records of Slaves and Free Persons of Color, Craven County Records, North Carolina State Archives.