In Common Law Book D, it is reported that Billy was enslaved by James Bruce. There was a motion for Billy, an "aged and infirm slave," to be exempt from taxation.
In Common Law Book D, an examining court was held against Bill, who was charged with a felony. He was said to have "maliciously" struck and wounded James H. Dinguard, a white man. Bill was found guilty and was remanded to county jail to await his trial. However, in Common Law Book No. 1, the jury found Bill not guilty.
A value of $200.00 was placed on Bill at the time he was listed in IAS 1, and he was sold to William Johnston. He was described as unsound. In IAS 2, which contains the appraisal of Johnston's estate, a value of $500.00, was placed on Billy. In 1854, a value of $388.25 was placed on him when he was sold in Lynchburg, as recorded in IAS 3.