1782 - Bott to Lewis - Amelia County, VA

1782 - Bott to Lewis - Amelia County, VA

07/22/1782

10

I William Bott of Amelia County in Virginia being fully persuaded that freedom is the natural right of all mankind and that it is my duty to do unto others as I would desire to be done by in the like situation. And having under my care three negroes whom I have heretofore held as slaves of the following names and ages, viz. Lewis aged about thirty one years, Silas aged about twenty seven years, and Suzy aged about twenty three years. I hereby emancipate and set free all and every of the above named slaves and I do for my self my heirs Executors and Administrators relinquish all my right title interest and claim or pretentions of claim whatsoever either to their persons or to any estate they may hereafter acquire. And having also seven negroes now in their minority of the following names and ages viz. Cate aged about nine years, William aged about eight, Esther aged about six, Jane aged about four, Sarah aged about four, Nancy aged about two years, and Delsy aged about seven months all and every one of which I likewise emancipate and set free yet I believe it right for me to reserve the prerogative of acting as guardian over them until the male arrives to the age of twenty one and the females to the age of eighteen years. And I do for myself my heirs Executors & Administrators relinquish all my right title interest & claim or pretentions of claim whatsoever either to their persons or to any estate they may acquire after they shall attain to the ages above said which will be at the following times, viz. Cate on the 28th day of the 12th month 1790, William on the 24th day of the 9th month, 1795, Esther on the 17th day of the 6th month 1794, Jane on the 19th day of the 4th month 1796, Sarah on the 14th day of the 7th month 1796, Nancy on the 10th day of the 11th month 1798, Delsy on the 25th day of the 12th month 1799. Then to enjoy their full freedom without any interruptions from me or any person claiming for by from or under me. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty second day of the seventh month in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty two.
William Bott (seal)
Sealed & delivered
In the presents of
Joel Bott
James Bott

DB 16:199

Deed