1783 - Pretlow to Jack, et al - Sussex Co, VA

1783 - Pretlow to Jack, et al - Sussex Co, VA

02/12/1783

5

I Thomas Pretlow 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 two negroes whom I have heretofore held as slaves of the following names and ages viz. Jack aged about thirty five years, Susan aged about thirty three 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 that may hereafter acquire. And having also three negroes now in their minority of the following names and ages viz. Betty aged about twelve years, Moses aged about ten years, & Milly aged about three years all whom I also hereby emancipate and set free, yet I believe it right for me to act 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 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, Betty on the 31 day of the 12 month of 1788, Moses on the 31 day of the 12 month 1793, Milly on the 31 day of the 12 month 1797.
All the above said negroes and their posterity 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 third day of the seventh month in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty two.
Sealed and delivered Thomas Pretlow (seal)
in the presence of
James Watkins
Edw Stabler
Joseph Bailey

Whereas we Jesse Henley & Anne his wife have formerly held apart in the within named negroes as slaves which right, title, interest, claim or pretentions of claim we do now relinquish and ratify to confirm & establish the written manumission. In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands & affixed our seals this 12th day of the 2nd month 1783.
Jesse Henley (seal)
Anne Henley




At a court held for Sussex County the 20th day of March 1783
This deed of emancipation from Thomas Pretlow Jur to the slaves therein named was acknowledged by the said Thomas to be his act & deed & ordered to be recorded.
Teste,
Jn Cooke CCCur

DB F:165

Deed