The liberty which free persons in a free country are entitled to.

by Lisa Y. Henderson

To the worshipfull the Justices of Craven County Court  March Term 1785

The humble petition of Dorcas Brinson Sheweth That she is illegally held in Servitude by William Clark when she conceives she is entitled to her Freedom & the Liberty which Free persons in a Free Country are entitled to, and as her Complaint is returned to your Worships, she humbly hopes you will take her case into Consideration and Discharge her from Servitude.

And as in duty Bound she will ever pray &c   Dorcas Brinson

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