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United States of America

STATE OF NEW YORK, ss. I, Joseph Woodward am a Public Officer who works in New York City in the State of New York. My job gives me the power to speak for the city and state of New York. I believe these things to be true about the man who stands before me today: His name isAllen Light. He is a coloured man, and a Mariner (sailor). He is about twenty-two years old. He stands five feet and eight inches tall.

He is a FREE MAN and a citizen of the United States of America. He was born in Philadelphia.

The law that protects American sailors does not include colored people. This law does not say whether or not a colored sailor can get a letter of Citizenship at the Business House. This letter proves that Allen Light is a Citizen of the United States of America. As a citizen, he and everything he owns must always be respected when he travels by sea and on land.

This letter proves that he is a Free Man and an American Citizen. I have written this letter and put an official stamp on it, in New York City on November 27, 1827.

In Proemisorum Fidem

(Faith in Their Promise)

[signed] Allen Light X his mark

[signed] Jos Woodward Notary Public.

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