He is a free man & not a slave.

State of North Carolina, Chowan County  } February 17th, 1844. Personally appeared before me, Thomas V. Hathaway, Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Q Sessions, in and for said County, John Buchannon, a yellow man aged about thirty seven years; about five feet, six inches in height; & proved before me, by Duncan McDonald, of Edenton, that he was free born; that he was bound to said McDonald, until he arrived to the age of twenty one years, which time he served out; wherefore I do hereby certify that the said John Buchannon hath made it, satisfactorily appear, that he is a freeman & not a slave; (Over) & in testimony of his being a free man & no slave, as proved, on oath, by said Duncan McDonald of Edenton, North Carolina.  I have hereto set my hand, & seal of office, at Edenton, the day & year aforesaid.

Miscellaneous Records, Chowan County Records, North Carolina State Archives.