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To the Hoble [Honorable] the Genl: Assembly of Virginia .
The petition of Lewis Armistead a man of colour
respecfully represents- That by his industry and labour
he acquired a sum of money sufficient to purchase himself
his wife and two children. That this money was
lodged in the hand of a friend, who made the purchase
some years ago and is now ready to execute a deed of
emancipation. Would yr [your] Hoble body be disposed to
permit yr pet'r [petitioner] & his family to remain within the
Comm'th. In favor of this applicches [meaning applications?] yr petitioner
wishs he has the claims - He is a native of Virginia;
his profession a barber; and he's a man of Colour
his character fair & pettess He has this which
bind him to his native land and sooner than quit
he [not?] prefer returning again to slavery. In
support of his character & conduct he submits the testimony
of many distinguished citizens. He therefore
prays of this Hoble Hous that they will permit
him to remain in Vaga [Virginia] so soon as he may be
emancipated, and he will ever pray &c