1782 - Briggs to Sharper, et al - Sussex Co, VA

1782 - Briggs to Sharper, et al - Sussex Co, VA

11/21/1782

15

I Nathaniel Briggs of Sussex 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 seven negroes whom I have heretofore held as slaves of the following names and ages viz: Sharper aged about sixty five years, Sue aged about sixty one, Nann aged about sixty one, Priss aged about forty six, Jenny aged about thirty six, Ruth aged about twenty, and Lucy aged about nineteen years. I hereby emancipate and set free all and every of the above named slaves and I do for myself, 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 8 negroes now in the minority of the following names and ages viz: Suckey aged about twelve years, Hannah aged about nine, Fed aged about nine, Dinah aged about eight, Bolling aged about five, Mealy aged about four, Jesse aged about three, and Jacob aged about one year. All and every one of which I likewise emancipate and set free, and I believe it right for me to reserve the prerogative of acting as a guardian over them until the males arrive to the age of twenty one, and the females to the age of eighteen years, and I do for myself, 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 acquire after they shall attain to the ages above said which will be at the following times viz: Suckey on the 31st day of the 12th month in the year 1782; Hannah on the 31st day of the 12th month 1790; Fed on the 31st day of the 12 month 1794; Dinah on the 31st day of the 12th month 1792; Bolling on the 31st day of the 12th month 1794; Mealy on the 31st day of the 12th month 1796; Jesse on the 31st day of the 12th month 1800; Jacob on the 31st day of the 12th month 1802.
Then to enjoy their full freedom without any interruption from me or any person claiming for, by, from, or under me. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this fourth day of the eighth month in the year of our lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty five.
Sealed and delivered Nathaniel Briggs (seal)
in the presence of
Michael Bailey
William Hamlin

At a court held for Sussex County the 21st day of November 1782
This deed of emancipation was acknowledged by Nathaniel Briggs a party thereto to be his act and deed and ordered to be recorded.
Teste, Jn Cooke Clk Cur

DB F:151

Deed