This petition to the County Court of Shelby County, Tennessee was prepared by an unknown lawyer on behalf of a free man of color named Solomon Porter. Porter, a native of Tennessee, assures the court that he desires to seek employment in Shelby County in order to adequately support his family. He hopes to remain in the area so that his numerous acquaintances may assist him in finding employment, aided by his industry, sobriety, and honesty. The document is signed by Porter and a notation on the verso indicates that the Court agreed to allow him to reside in Shelby County for three years.