1788 - Smith to Boatswain, et al - Powhatan Co, VA
Manumission Item Data Item Type Metadata
Date
10/16/1788
Manumitter
Number of Persons
8
Text of Freedom Document
Know all men by these presents that I James Smith of Powhatan County do believe “That all men are by nature equally free” and from a clear conviction of the injustice and criminality of depriving my fellow creatures of their natural right, do hereby emancipate or set free the following men, women & children viz.
Boatswain, to go out December the 25th 1788
Dick to go out at the same time 1788
Charles to go out December the 25th 1790
Doll to go out at the same time 1790
Samuel to go out December the 25th 1791
Dick (Jun) to go out December the 25th 1797
Ned to go out December the 25th 1800
Cesar to go out December 25th 1808
I do hereby relinquish all right, title and claim to the said people after they arrive to the dates above mentioned 7 not before. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this eighteenth day of September 1788.
Jas Smith (seal)
Signed Sealed and acknowledged
In presence of…..
At a Court held for Powhatan County of Scottville on Thursday the 16th day of October 1788.
This deed of emancipation from James Smith to the slaves within mentioned, was presented in court & acknowledged by the said James Smith, and by the court ordered to be recorded.
Teste, Ab Crump Clk Ct
Boatswain, to go out December the 25th 1788
Dick to go out at the same time 1788
Charles to go out December the 25th 1790
Doll to go out at the same time 1790
Samuel to go out December the 25th 1791
Dick (Jun) to go out December the 25th 1797
Ned to go out December the 25th 1800
Cesar to go out December 25th 1808
I do hereby relinquish all right, title and claim to the said people after they arrive to the dates above mentioned 7 not before. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this eighteenth day of September 1788.
Jas Smith (seal)
Signed Sealed and acknowledged
In presence of…..
At a Court held for Powhatan County of Scottville on Thursday the 16th day of October 1788.
This deed of emancipation from James Smith to the slaves within mentioned, was presented in court & acknowledged by the said James Smith, and by the court ordered to be recorded.
Teste, Ab Crump Clk Ct
Record Location
DB 1:482
Document Type
Deed
Files
Collection
Citation
“1788 - Smith to Boatswain, et al - Powhatan Co, VA,” Manumission Project, accessed May 15, 2026, https://manumissionproject.omeka.net/items/show/1661.