Allen, Royal : Petition to Remain in the Commonwealth, Richmond City

We the undersigned citizens of the City of Richmond, have known for many years, Royall a blacksmith resident in the said City & who has been recently emancipated; & most cheerfully bear testimony to his known & established good character sober & industrious habits, quiet & orderly conduct & exemption from all known bad habits or vicious practices & we commend him to the Court of Hustings of the said City as a proper person, to be permitted on their leave to remain in the Commonwealth

Richmond October 18th 1847 John B Prentis Wm. Burke Jacob Shook Jno C Luck M Goddin Ro. Ryland Wm Franklin Charles Stebbins Loftin N Ellett John Goddin Mosby Woodson Wm H. G. Lumpkin Ben. Sheppard J M Sheppard John F Wren J A Goddin H Blair J W Beveridge S A Marsh

Royal Allen worked in my employment [illegible] years ago for several years while I earned [another?] nail [business?] during which he was the [principal?] [Smith?]. He is an excellent workman and I believe a very well behaved [employee?] to her and [illegible] [man?]. J. B. [Carvie?] M. Burton A. F. Murphey Adolphus Goodin W. E. Burton G. D. Shell Clement White Saml. Ellis, Tho. B. Biggs D. Lipheart Geo. T. Crump Florenc McCarthy Danl. S. MCarthy Jesse Williams F H [llegible] Phillip August, Jr. Jos. Collingfield E. C. Howard W. P. W. Taylor G. A. W. Taylor Peter Koell Bennett Crafton

Royall served his time with me faithfully and I consider him a worthy man and a good workman. [illegible]

Royal Allen's application for leave to remain in Common'th &c

1848 March 15 app'n heard & granted & order to register Royal Allen

Notice On the first day of the Court of Hustings to be held in the month of March next & shall apply to that court for leave to remain in the Commonwealth of Virginia pursuant to the Act of the General Assembly in such cases made & provided. Richmond January 11th 1842

Royall Allen, a free man of color by his counsel_

In Richmond Hustings Court March 13th 1848. On the motion of Royall Allen, who has been emancipated from slavery since 1806, it is ordered that the Justices of this Court be summoned to attend here on Wednesday next, to hear and determine on the application of the said Royall Allen to be allowed to remain in this Commonwealth and to reside in this City, during the good pleasure of the Court. A Copy Teste, Chs. Howard, clk