Seventeen-year-old Robert Nelson, a free person of color, petitions the court by his next friend, Edward Woodland, a free person of color. Nelson states that he is illegally held in custody as an apprentice by Alfred Jones, a free man of color. He asserts that the indenture on which Jones bases his claim is defective, as it was never recorded in the orphans court in the specified amount of time. The petitioner further complains that Jones has treated him "with harshness and cruelty, often beating and cuffing him in the most cruel and improper manner." Nelson states that Jones has failed to provide proper food, clothing, or education, and has never taught him any trade. Nelson seeks a writ of habeas corpus.
Result: Granted.
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Repository: National Archives, Washington, D. C.
