Mr. Ashby was by trade a carpenter, by which means he was able to earn fair wages, and was not long in coming into the possession of valuable real estate. In order to show the condition of a free colored man in Alabama prior to the close of the late civil war, I submit a legal document here, bearing upon the good man whose name is now before us: A STRAW WHICH SHOWS THE DIRECTION OF THE WIND. “The State of Alabama, } Montgomery County. } “Know all men by these presents, That whereas, heretofore, to-wit: on the 1st day of April, A. D. 1859, Charles T. Pollard sold and conveyed to Wm. B. Bell, as guardian or trustee for Nathan Ellis (now called Nathan Ashby), a certain lot in the city of Montgomery, State and county aforesaid, which is described in the deed of said Pollard as ‘Lots number three and four in square number fourteen, Scott’s plat, in the city of Montgomery.’ “And, whereas, the said Nathan Ellis (or Ashby), is now capable in law of holding property in his own name, and desires to hold the title to said lot and premises in his own name; and the said William B. Bell also desires to relinquish and give up the duties and responsibilities devolved on him by the said deed as the trustee or guardian of said Nathan Ellis (or Ashby); “Now, therefore, in consideration of the premises and for the further consideration of five dollars, to the said Wm. B. Bell in hand paid by the said Nathan Ellis (or Ashby), at or before the sealing and delivery of these presents (the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged), I, the said Wm. B. Bell, do hereby release, relinquish, transfer and convey by quit-claim unto the said Nathan Ellis (or Ashby), and unto his heirs and assigns, all my right, title and interest both at law and in equity of every kind or description whatever, in and to the said lot and premises herein above described. “In witness whereof, I, the said Wm. B. Bell, have hereunto set my hand and seal, this ---- day of January, A. D. 1872. “Attest: “William B. Bell.” “A. R. Bell.” This manuscript is recorded in “Book 4 of Deeds, page 314,” March 26, 1872. NOTE.--Seven years elapsed after freedom was declared before Mr. Ashby received from his “trustee” the transfer of his property. He had been free ever since 1842, but his “trustee” must hold and manage both him and his.