Fourth Generation Inclusive

State of North Carolina Northampton County court, June term 1801.  To the worshipful the Justices of said court, the humble petitioner Len Kenchen free negroe humbly complaining Sheweth that he the said Len, upwards to ten years ago, purchased of a Mr. Robert Armstead, of Scotland Neck, a negroe woman called Rebecca for the sum of £45 Virg money, and which said negroe, your petr Len, had as wife, upwards of 15 years previous to said purchase, and until this present day.  And your petr. further shews that he the said Len and the said Rebecca are old and infirm, and that the said Rebecca previous to said purchase and until this date has always behaved herself as a dutyful wife and as a faithful servant.  Your petitioner therefore prays your worship, will, agreeable to the spirit and meaning of the act of assembly in such case make, liberate and set free the said Rebecca, and your petitioner as in duty bound will pray.    J.H. [Keys?]

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