[Recto]
At a Court held for Caroline County on fryday
the 8th Day of Apl: 1743
It is Orded John Baylor gen pay Wm Taliaferro
gen Sixteen pounds Eighteen Shillings &
Eleven pence Curt. money for Work done at
Roy's Ware house
Copy
Ex p Benja Robinson
[Verso]
Order of Court
for Majr. Baylor
To
pay Capt. Taliafero
£16,,18,,11
[illegible] To pay
my self £3 3 0
6 3
3 9 3
[Recto]
Whereas we have bin Credibly Inform'd that one Negro -
Man Slave named Jack belonging to Robrt. Powell of
ye sd. County planter, is Runaway now Lying hid [and]
Lurking and doing Mischef within this County -
Therfor in his Majestys name we hereby Require ye sd
Slave fourthwith to surrender himself or to return
home to his master; and we [torn, illegible] [r]equire the Sheriff of ye County
Aforesd. to make Deligent Serch and to apprehend ye sd. Slave -
and him to Deliver to his master or to Commit to ye Goal
of this County there to remain untill he shall be Clam'd by
his owner or otherwise Discharged as ye Law Directs & ye sd. -
Sheriff is hereby Impowerd to raise and take wth. him, Such power
of his County as he Shall think fit & Necessary for ye Effectual
Apprehending ye sd. outlyin Slave; and we further Declare; if
ye sd Slave Shall not Surrender himself nor return home. Imea
diatly after Due publication of these presents yt. then any person
whatsover may Lawfully Kill & Destroy him without being
Lyable to any penalty for so doing & hereof all persons are requir'd
to take due notis, Given under our hands and seals this 13th. day
of Augt 1743 - & in ye [damaged, illegible] Seventeeth Year of ye [crossed out, illegible] Reign of our Sovereign -
Lord King George ye. Second -
Robert Farish
George Hoomes
[Verso]
Powell's Procl of Outlawry
p Jack
[Recto]
Caroline County Sst
By George Hoomes and Robert Farish, Two of his Majesties
Justices of the Peace for the said County; One of them being of the Quorum.
A Proclamation
Whereas we have been credibly Informed that one Negro Man Slave,
named Jack, belonging to Robt. Powell of the said County, Planter, is Runaway
now being hid, Lurking and doing Mischief within this County.
Therefore in his Majesties name we hereby require the sd. Slave
forthwith to surrender himself, or to return home to his Master, And we also
require the Sheriff of the County aforesaid, to make diligent serch and to
apprehend the said Slave, and him to deliver to his Master, or to commit to
the Goal of this County, there to remain until he shall be claimed by his -
owner , or otherwise discharged as the Law directs. And the said Sheriff
is hereby impowered to raise and take with him such power of his County
as he shall think fit and necessary for the effectual apprehending the
said out Lying Slave. And we farther declare, if the said Slave shall not
surrender himself nor return home Immediately after due publication of
these presents, that then any person whatsoever may Lawfully Kill
and Destroy him, without being Lyable to any penalty for so doing.
And hereof all persons are required to take due notice,
given under our Hands and Seals, this 20 Day of August 1743
and in the Seventeenth Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord
King George the Second.
Robert Farish
George Hoomes.
[Verso]
This is to Certifie this proclamation
as been published as ye Law Directs
pr me [illegible]
August ye 20, 1743
Essex Sc I do certifie that on the 24th. of
October last I took an Inquest on a
Negro man found dead on the Main
run of Piscattaway Creek, he was found
on the 22d of sd. Month and was a young
Negro of Middle Size, black, and markt
in the face and brest there was found near
him a Gun and sword a Mans Coat and
severall other goods & wearing apparell to the Value of five
pounds which were Supposed and believed
by the Jury the sd. Negro had stole the -
Jury were of opinion the sd. Negro died
by the Cold rain which fell in great
abundance at that time & the sd. Negro
notwithstanding he had many Cloaths
with him stript himselfe naked wch.
Occasiond his death as is found by sd.
Inquest returned to the Secretarys office
given under my hand this 8th of 9br. 1743
F Waring Cor
Waring Coronr. Certe.
Sir
I have come as near your directions as I could in my
little unsorted shop. I have no Dble Refd. sugar and as
the Loves ware very small of the other sort have sent three
Have sent a pack of Remnts for Master Johney wch
was all the duroy I had [crossed out, illegible] am willing to take again
if they don't suit. I have by me a plenty of 8d. 10d. 20d.
& 30d. nails ~
If you go on the Assembly before I see you
I wish you a good Journey & successful in yr Races
but pray do not forget our petn. in regard of the
Loan office. Am wth Respect,
Your Most Obt Edmund Taylor
Mar 15. 1756
To Colo. J Baylor
[Page 1]
Virga. New Market 25 May 1770 -
My dearest Johney -
By Mr. Morse I re[c]'d yr very
kind & dutifull letter & I make no Dou[bt] it would
be very agreeable to you to hear oftne[r] [f]rom me but
when I consider you hear often from y[r [torn, illegible] daddy &
well know what a scribe I am h[torn, illegible] will excuse
it I often read yrs to Mr. Baylor [torn, illegible] greatly
to find what an Improvement you [torn, illegible] made in yr
Studies & could I but see you now & [torn, illegible] should be
hearily satisfied but when I consider [torn, illegible] 5 years absence
without a single glance it allmost distrac[ts] me, but
my dear child hope to God all will be for the best. If you
are to be away I highly approve of yr going to Cambridge
the most renowned Seminary of Learning in all England
My dear it does give me more Pleasure to hear of yr health than I can express
which God of his infinite Mercy continue. I have by
several Oppors. heard that yr affected side is much
amended for which God of his infinite Mercy be praised
I am extreemly sorry you have been disappointed in
not getting the fine choice hams Cyder old brandy &
fine Madeira which were pack'd up & sent to Ayletts
Warehouse for you you may depend upon another attempt
this year. Pray finish yr Education my dear as soon as possible for
we all cannot bear any longer without seeing you. I shall
write again by Capt Robertson we caught a great many redd
& mockg. Birds but by one Accident or other lost them all
The whole Family desir to be rembred to you though
nome more so than
My dear Johney yr. most tender
& Affect. Mother -
Frances Baylor
[Address leaf]
No 66.
To
Mr. John Baylor
at Mr. John Nortons Mercht.
in London.
Wmsburg 25th. July 1779 ~
John Baylor Esqr.
Dr Sir
I was agreeably acquainted a few Days ago by
Mr Jno H. Norton of your and Mrs. Baylors arrival in
this State in perfect health, which I hope you have
both enjoy'd since I had the pleasure of seeing you last
on that Barren Rock Statia, and from whence I hope
you had a passage as agreeable as the nature of the
times would admit, Please to acquaint Mrs. Baylor
I recieved a Letter from her Bror. a few Days ago, tho
not later than January, all friends in Gould Square
were then well. I took the first opportunity to
acquaint the Family of your arrival in Philadelphia
and have wrote them by Different opportunitys since
you got to this State, should you have any Letters
for Europe I will forward them, having conveyances
by which I write frequently, with best wishes for
yours & Mrs. Baylor's health and happiness I
am ~
Dr. Sir
your Obedt. Servant
James Clay
P. S. two Vessels just
arriv'd in York Rr. from Nantz
wth brass ordnance &c for the
States, they bring no fresh accots.
2/ Postage 6
John Baylor Esqr.
New market
Caroline County
[Recto]
Know all Men by these presents that I
John Baylor of the County of Caroline am held
& firmly bound unto Alex: Spotswood of the
County of Spotsylvania in the full & Just
Amount of Sixty Six Thousand Six hundred
& Sixty Six & two third Pounds of Nett Tobacco
The Payment of which well & timely to be made
I bind myself my Heirs Exors & Admors Jointly
& severally firmly by these presents Seal'd with
My Seal & Dated this Twenty fourth Day
of August One thousand seven hundred &
Eighty - The Condition of the Above Obli=
=gation is Such that if the above bound John Baylor
shall pay or Cause to be paid unto the Said
Alex: Spotswood his Heirs or Assignes On or
before the Twenty fifth Day of December
Next the full & Just Amount of Thirty three
Thousand Three hundred & thirty three & One
Third Pounds of Nett Tobo. of Inspection of the
present year averaging at least One Thousand
Pounds of Tobo. Nett in each. Hhd. free & clear
of every expence & Inspected at the Warehouses
of Roystons or Fredericksburg with legal Inter[est]
(say five Per Cent) from the state hererof; then
this Obligation to be void Else to remain in
full force & Virtue -
Acknowledged in Presence of
Wm Daingerfield
R Wellford
[Verso]
Baylor
to
Spotswood
Bond
Pyble 1780 Decr.
25th.
Inr. from Aug
24th. 1780
No. 5
[illegible]
in my Book
To the Honble George Wythe Judge of the high Court
of Chancery.
Humbly complaining shew unto your honor your Oratrix and
Orators Ann Fox widow and admx of John Fox decd. Thomas B. Fox
William Fox and Henry Fox sons and Devisees of the said John
Fox That the said John Fox on the 25th. day of August 1780 made
his last will and testament wherein after several specific bequests
to your Oratrix and Orators, and to John Fox his eldest son & Heir
and to his daughters he devised in manner following to wit "my
"will further is that all the residue of my Estate viz. Slaves Stocks
"money and every other thing of that kind or nature soever
"of which I may die possessed shall also remain under the Care
"of my said wife to be by her distributed among my said four sons
"in such proportion manner or way as she shall think proper as
"they severally comeof age or marry." For further certainty your
Oratrix and Orators beg leave to refer to a true Copy of the said Will
which is hereto annexed.
That at the time of making the said Will the testator was ~
possessed of Warrants for [torn, illegible] under the [torn, illegible] [Procla]
mation of 1763. to Lands in Kentucky amounting to 12,000 Acres
that shortly after making his Will he acquired an Interest in 22000
Acres of State military rights to Lands lying in Kentuckey.
That the 22000 Acres of State military rights as well as
the 12000 Acres of military rights under the king of Great
Britains proclamation were always considered after the death
of the Testator as being subject to the operation of that clause
in the will which is herein above recited and that as well by John
Fox the eldest son and Heir at law as by your Oratrix and Orators.
[Page 2]
[running vertically] it is impossible that Mrs
Fox can sware to this [crossed out, illegible]
to inquire into the situation of the said Lands ; and secure the
title to her under the Will aforesaid - That for this purpose he
was intrusted by her with an Agreement which had been made
with Isaac Shelby late Governor of Kentuckey to locate the said
old military rights for a certain proportion of the [crossed out, illegible] Land ~
and also with an Agreement of a certain Caffery concerning
the 22,000 Acres of State military land together with other papers
relative to the said Lands - that he undertook this business solely
as her Agent and did not pretend to set up any claim to any part
of the said Land as Heir at Law. That your Orators and Oratrix
have been informed that the said John Fox sold a considerable
part of the said Land and received the money or took securities
for the payment in his own name that a part remains
unsold as they have been informed but the Legal title to a large
proportion if not the whole of that which is unsold has become
vested in the said John Fox he having obtained grants for the
same in his own name as Heir at law of this Father. That the
said John Fox the son departed this life in the year '79
[torn, illegible]
with him or make a full discovery of his transactions relative
to the said Lands - That he left a Widow Eleanor Fox who hath
taken out Letters of Administration on his Estate and
Infant Children named
That they have requested the said Admx to make a full
discovery of all she knows relative to the said Transactions of
her Intestate and to produce all papers concerning the same
which are in her Custody and also to pay to them such monies
as were received by him in payment for the said Lands which
[Page 3]
corporal oath make full answer to the premises that the said
admix may discover what she knows relative to the said [illegible]
[illegible] and produce all papers in her possession concerning the
same that such of the said Lands as are sold may be conveyed to
your Oratrix subject to the Will of John Fox the elder and that
the estate of the said John Fox the son may be made subject to the
payment of such sums of money as may have been recd. by him
for the Lands sold and that your Oratrix & Orators may have such
other relief as is consistent with Equity - May it please [torn, illegible]
[Recto]
Invoice of Sundry Merchandize shipped by John Backhouse
on Board the Adventure, Capt. Wardell, for Norfolk by order &
for account & risque of John Baylor Esqr. Citizen of the United
States of America Liverpool 11. Febury. 1800 -
SWM | |||||||
1a Bale | 4 peces osnaburg | 19 | 16 | 8 | |||
2 do. | 16 peces Kenal Cotton | 21 | 6 | 8 | |||
3. Trunk | 6 pair Worsted Hose | 0 | 18 | ||||
18 pr. Cotton do | 3 | 3 | |||||
2 peces Irish sheeting | 12 | 6 | 8 | ||||
1½ yd. Scarlet Cloth | 1 | 4 | |||||
25 yd. [?] | 3 | 15 | |||||
2 lb Green Thread | 7 | ||||||
12 doz Buttons | 9 | 8 | |||||
2½ oz. Silk Twist | 6 | 8 | |||||
8lb. Thread and Tape | 17 | 6 | |||||
½lb ditto sorted | 11 | 10 | |||||
1lb do | 4 | 8 | |||||
1000 Needles | 10 | ||||||
4 pices y d wide Linen | 15 | 7 | 2 | ||||
1 doz pair Boys Shose | 3 | 6 | |||||
1 Ream writing paper | 1 | 6 | |||||
12 Sticks Sealing wax | 6 | 44 | 19 | 2 | |||
1a Hog | 5m. 8d Nails @ 4/ | 1 | |||||
2.. do. | 6 m. 10d. do 4/9 | 1 | 8 | 6 | |||
3a Cask | 2 doz Scyth stones | 3 | |||||
1 doz broad Hoes ea No. 1a 2 | 2 | 6 | |||||
3 Ea Augers | 19 | ||||||
1 doz best hand Saw files | 4 | 6 | |||||
1 plain | 2 | ||||||
4 Candlesticks | 5 | 4 | 3 | 19 | 10 | ||
2 Bundles |
Coutg. 2 doz Scythes | 4 | 8 | ||||
2 do. | 1 doz Spades. 1 doz Shovels | 3 | 6 | ||||
£ | 100 |
[Page 1]
New Market sunday morning
March the 2.. 1805
Dear Father
I wrote you two Days ago and should
have postponed writing till the latter end of this week
but being informed by Mr Rootes of circumstan
ces of too serious a nature to us I think it my duty
in communicating them to you he says that
Turner will not pay one shilling of the money
of his Bond because your Brother has mort-
gaged his Land the Mortgage is in Alexan-
-dria which I suppose Turner was ignorant
of that being the case you will not get your
money soon that in Fairfaxes hands you
will not get directly also. he also mentions
that Deganett is urging Hansbrough to bring
the Injunction to an immediate conclusion
that he may pay the Debt as your security
and ultimately get your Lone those
being his intentions I hope you will
[Page 2]
make provision to meet that Claim provided the
the Injunction should be dissolved Your property
through the interposition of Mr. Rootes is not
to be sold Untill Court at which time it will be
positively be disposed of to satisfy Hansbrough.
Thatchers Execution for £400 is prior to the execution
of the Deed by which you conveyed your personal property
at this place to us that being the case the Execution
will cover the property I am affraid. If you will
consent to my selling the Tobacco made here and [crossed out, illegible]
appropriating the Rents to the purchase of this
property it will be a very advisable plan and also the
Cormorant Mare. The vast quantity of fine Plank you
own I think had bettter be Disposed of [?]
which you will never make use of. Mr. Burke Rents
300 Acres of our Land at the price of you mentioned 20/ or a barrell of corn pr acre
tomorrow Mr. Coleman is to be here and to draw the proper
instrument of writing it is to be Rented just positively
agreeable to your directions I will write you
more fully on the subject in my next
[Page 3]
Present my best love to George and
[Recto]
1809
New Market February 1
My best of Brother's will think me unpardonable in having
so long neglected to answer his very affectionate letter, but knowing
him to be a person of such liberality and one that would make all allowances
for things not happening just at the time he might wish;
my silence I knew would not be attributed to a want of affection and
you above all people I would not with it to appear as coming -
under the head of a slight; the fond solicitude you express in a
letter to Brother and also one to myself for a renovation of my
health, has if possible raised you many degrees higher in my esteem
ever since I receive your letter I have been meditating how or in what
manner I should write that would be most agreeable, and with truth
you will say, to a very poor purpose for me to have had two months
for reflextion and at last to express myself in the commonest
terms, my phraseology you know and so must I [illegible] be very
inferior to yours, but let my Dear Brother be ever so confident of his superiority
he will never neglect me or read my letters with indiference ; you wish
for Louisa's and my society how do I join you in your good wishes for
I am persuaded if we could have visited Richmond this winter we
should have made great progress in the different branches of
Education which we have acquired as yet but a superficial
knowledge of; we live as usual very retired from having [illegible] of
[illegible] out and indeed pedaneous excursions will not [illegible]
[illegible] constitutions, we may hope by next winter for an
enfranchisement from [illegible] our confinement, but long before that time arrives
our dear Brother will surely pay us a visit to borrow your expression
I long with childish impatience to see you and have been
according to promise expecting you every snowy day to surprise
us Mr. Rootes left a fortnight ago on his way to Gloster he
intends coming throught Richmond, at which place he will
remain for a week perhaps, and send his horses home as he told
us, that will be a find opportunity for your coming up
and one two without incurring any expence, you will laugh
at this and say I continue to be of a saveing knowledge but these Embargo
times in particular money we all know is hard to be gotten
in the mean time while you remain where you are
write to me frequently for next to seeing you is the pleasure
of seeing your hand writing; and also remind us more
[Verso]
some frequently of your infantile expressions, in your letter to Brother
you mention seeing your [illegible] in the [illegible] yet is served us for one
evenings conversation, every thing you have ever saw or done
has been thought of so much consequence as to be remembered
by some one of the falimily, I must really compliment
on the progress you have made since you left home
I perceive by every letter you have written rappidly how you
[illegible] you improve and it is with the greatest pleasure
immaginable I tel you as I have another letter to write
I must bid my dear Broter adieu with a
sincear hope for his happiness in this and in
the World to come is the wish of his ever
loving sister LEJ Baylor sister [illegible]
LHB and Aunt Betsy will write by this
opportunity
[Recto]
The Commonwealth of Virginia
To the Justices of the Peace for the County of
Gentlemen, greeting :
KNOW YE, That we, trusting to your fidelity and provident circumspection in
diligently examining Elizabeth Baylor, [crossed out, illegible] on behalf of the plaintiff [crossed out, illegible]
[crossed out, illegible] Thomas R. Rootes.
in a certain matter of controversy now depending in Superior Court of Chance-
ry, directed by law to be holden in the town of Frederickburg, wherein Thomas
John Daingerfield is plaintiff: and Thomas R. Rootes admor [torn, illegible] [will?]
annexed of John Baylor, the younger, deceased, who was executor and devisee of
John Baylor, the elder deceased and executor and surviving executor of George
Baylor, deceased, and as adminstrator of Francis Baylor: John Nicholson in right of his
wife Fanny, George D. Baylor, and John Baylor, sons and devisees of John Baylor the younger deceased: and Thomas
R. Roote, administrator with the will annexed of John Baylor the younger, deceased, who was admin-
istrator of Francis Baylor decd. Robert Baylor, Walker Baylor, Lucy Armistead, Jasper S. Clayton, Eliza=
beth Baylor John Nicholson and Fanny his wife distributees of Francis Baylor deceased, defendants,
authorise and requre you, or any two or more of you, that at such certain days and
places as you shall appoint you assemble yourselves, and the witness, aforesaid be-
fore you, you call, and cause to come, and diligently examine on the Holy Evange-
lists of Almighty God, and her examination, into our Superior Court of Chan-
cery, directed by law to be holden in the town of Fredericksburg, aforesaid, distinctly
and plainly you send and certify enclosed, returning also this writ. Witness JOHN
TAYLOR FORD, Clerk of our said Court, at Fredericksburg, this 27th day of
December 1823, and in the 48th year of the Commonwealth.
By order of the Court
Teste
TJ Ford. C.C.
[Verso]
Daingerfield
vs
Rootes
[Page 1]
November 4th 1831
My dear Ellen
I was much pleased to receive your affectionate letter
that came safe to hand ten days ago, and should have written directly to
you but waited to hear what your papa sayd about carrying me down
I had hoped to have gone, but am disapponted as I often have been before
in what ever I have set my heart on, he says he will go down for you
after court which will be the middle of this month, I was pleased to hear
you were well also your Aunt and Uncle Upshaw, and the dear little G and
William, we have been all well, Louisa is much better though not yet
well, she has cut two jaw teeth and has a sore on the back of her head
very fretful, we often talk of you and wish much
to see you my dear [torn, illegible] poor Catherine expired on the tenth
of October, for man[torn, illegible] suffered inexpressable pain and was more
reduced than [torn, illegible]
[Page 2]
her situation at Mr Alans she says Mrs [torn, illegible] is as good to her as if she
was her mother, George is gone to school he [torn, illegible] well, John Is going tomor
=row to Mr Lewiss, Frances sends her love to you, and Julia also sends hers, she
does not look well, I expect she will be delighted to see you when you come
your Papa has walked over to New Market, I will send his love to you and all
I hope yoou have not been troublesome to your Aunt or Uncle you must be a
good Girl and do not forget to read to your Aunt Louisa whenever it is
convenient to her to hear you, give my love to her and your Cousin
Henrietta, and best respects to your Uncle Upshaw, you must do every
thing your Aunt Louisa tells you - do not forget to read in your Testament
my dear Child,
Heaven bless you
EL Baylor
[Address leaf]
[torn, illegible]
[torn, illegible] 5th
[torn, illegible] August Baylor
Mount pleasant
Essex County
This letter was
written, little Julia
Watts by yr Great grand
mother, Eliza Lewis Bay-
-lor who was wife of yr
Great grand father Dr.
George Daniel Baylor after
whom I am named
Georgia Baylor Kay
Watts.
[Page 1]
D John
I send you by Mr. Pickett (the mail
carrier) 2 shirts and a waistcoat which are all
your clothes that are now ready for you. I will
endeavour to have some of your summer Pantaloons
by the next mail; and send them = also some socks.
The mill and Land on the other side of
the state road have been sold to pay Mr. Pollard
of Richmond= So you see, that my resources are
lessened and y[torn, illegible] course. This will warn
you again of the just necessity there is of exerting
yourself in an honorable way, to please your employer
and thereby gain a character for industry and honesty
which will lay a lasting foundation for your
future good fame and fortune -
The family are all well and desire their love
to you
Your affectionate Father
G D Baylor
April 30 - 1832 -
[Page 2]
John N Baylor
King William
Court House
[Page 1]
My dear son
Since receiving your last by Bob I have
been reflecting on your case and fear you may
be induced from the tenor of this letter to
charge me with some inconsistency as regards
my advice = Without entering therefore into
any explanations at present = the object of this
is to advise that if Mr. Pollard will give
you $75.. and your board in addition for the rest
of this year take his offer. Listen to me for a
few words more; for this is the most eventful period
of your life, and if this communication has, or
has not a good effect on your future prospects; it
is both due to you as a proof of my candor and regard;
to say that you are now of an age to have made
a considerable progress in your experiences of the world;
and as much more advice on my part; cannot be
of service to you; will you permit me to say this is,
or may be; my farewell admonition =
In Europe where they are far advanced
before us in a knowledge of maturing young persons
[Page 2]
for buisiness it is common to endure a long
apprenticeship (and without wages) for seven years
in acquiring a competent knowledge of most arts
and trades. There it the reverse takes place
and hence the United States are filled with pretenders;
or persons who have only a badly learned profession
You now have now an opportunity
of getting seventy five dollars and board for 7 months
only; with the advantage of learning more in the time
to come, than you have done altogether before the prospect of
getting $150 or more the next year or [illegible] yourself
for a valuable clerkship in a new state = Besides my son
where you have been accustomed to bad company there
shew them you can nobly withdraw yourself from the
influence of improper habits; Mr. Pollard will
expect you to serve him, and what is equally true
be assured he is interested in your prosperity and will
be pleased to see you lay up a stock of repectability
as well on account of his own feelings as in regard to yours
and mine = Indeed I wish you would favor
me by shewing Mr. Pollard this letter. Provided you
intend to accept his offer which I most strenuously
advise = and recollect I advise you only on condition
that you hereafter be perfectly steady.
If you agree with him let me know
and shew him this letter with my complts, and if he
can share you a few days let me know and I will
[Page 3]
send for you -
Write me by Mr. Woolfolk,
and bargain if you can before he comes up that
I may know by him -
Yours most truly
G D Baylor
May 23d. 1835 -
P:S:
Your cousin Lafony desires her love to you. Both herself
and your mama entreat you to accept Mr. Ps. offer.
[Page 4]
Mr. John N: Baylor
King William
Court House
To the
Polite attention
of P. Woolfolk Esqr.
[Page 1]
Sir
My son G: N: Baylor will [torn, illegible]u
a copy of a deed of Trust to which I [torn, illegible] party.
My children are anxious to remove with
me to the western country; and the purport of
this communication is to get your legal advice
(In writing) on the following points.
1st
Will the trustee the brother of my late wife, be responsible to
my children if the negroes are removed from this
state to another? and can he surrender the
trust and thereby exonerate himself from responsi=
=bility? It will be perceived that by the deed, he
has a right to make a transfer of the trust =
2nd. Would the removal of the negroes; invalidate
the claim of my children to them in another
state; or render them liable (there) for debts of
my own which have been contracted here; subse=
=quent to the recording of the deed? -
3d
Could the trust be transferred to me, or to my
son who is not of age?
4 What would be the method of making the transfer;
By decree of the county court, where the trustee resides,
or myself?
The property described in the deed
has been in my possession according to one of its
provisions; and your opinion which I shall
[Page 2]
rely on entirely for my government, will
be carried by myself to my brother in law; an[d]
I ha[ve no d]oubt he will be satisfied
wit[h] [torn, illegible] [b]oth of us have obtained other advi[torn, illegible]
my [torn, illegible] ly; and he will =
My Son will hand ten dollars
to Mr. Leigh and we will make up the
amount required by him if that is not
sufficient =
Very Respectully
Your Most Obt. Servt.
George D: Baylor
Caroline Co: Va. October 21 - 1837
A Copy of the deed referred to in the foregoing letter
has been submitted to and answered by us and I
give the following answers to the questions the
Letter propounds
1st. The brother would not be responsible to the children
by the mere act the removing of the slaves to another state. In the event
of G.D Baylors removal with his family to another state, I think
he would have a right to carry the slaves supposing that the removal
is a bona fide change of residence and the slaves carried for the sole purpose
of being employed in the service of the [illegible] In that
[Page 3]
Event however it would be the duty of the trustee to have the
deed registered in the sate to which the [torn, illegible]in
[su]ch manner as the laws of that state may [torn, illegible] protect
[torn, illegible] property from the creditors of or purchasers [torn, illegible]
2ndly. The removal woould in no degree invalidate the rights
of G.D. B's children: and the proper registration of the deed
as mentioned in answer to the 1st. question would give the
[illegible] security to those rights in the state to which the
removal may be as they have in this state.
3rd. The trust may be transferred: but it would not be proper
to make the transfer to G.D.B. or his infant son. The
trustee's duty is to control the improper acts of G.D.B. in
regard to the property should such acts be [torn, illegible]
and to make him trustee would be to make him supervisor over himself.
4th. If resort be had to a court for a decree to transfer the
trust, that may be to the court of either of the counties
most convenient to the parties. But such resort is not
necessary either to effect the transfer or for the safety
of the present trustee. The trust may be assigned by
a new deed from the trustee & G.D.B. & wife; conveying
the property subject to the same trust as a specified
in the existing deed. The union of G.D.B. & wife on such
a deed will fully justify the trustee & proprietor from his
responsibility, supposing the transaction fair (as I doubt not it
would) in its purposes. In case of such a transfer, and
the removal of the slaves the deed making the transfer
[Page 4]
should be registered in the state to which the slaves may be removed as suggested in the
fi[rst ans]wer
Robert Stanar[d]
Octr. 26th. 18[37]
Benjamin W. Leigh Esqr.
G. R: Baylor
Letter from my Brother
[Recto]
Arabia
Land of the Caliph race, whose magic stories lore
hath brightened fancy's dreams on every kindred shore.
Where once thy hoaries danced beneath the diamonds gleam,
And raptured swam on pleasures gayest stream.
Where now thy former genius? Ah! where now that hand
Which beckning called the willing guests at thy command
To banquet in some ruby hall on nectared sweets
By Hebes served on blusing rose leaf seats?
Where now [illegible] enchanted ground, the Garden, and the hall?
The laughter loving fairy? Alas! departed all.
No brilliant token left, no grateful of the friends to tell
Where passed some glowing scene, beneath Aladdis spell;
Thy splendor gone; eclipsed thy former meed
All but the horseman's restless eye, and his freind the fiery steed.
Midst storms of sand, the desert hath a charm
Yet here on earth his patriot heart to warm ;
His freedom loving soul, can feel no dread
from the sword impending oer Damocles guilty head
Nor racks, nor cruel Pacha's treacherous steel
Can make one Arab heart, the cringing homage feel
[W]here too thy child enjoys at falling dusk of even'
[So]me drops of bliss and some foretaste of his heaven; =
In shining myrtle groves, thy ardent youths prolong
to dark Gazelle eyed maids the adoring lovelit song =
There tender strains of music drick, and burning vows they breathe
And fairest orange blossoms there, in the bridal crown they wreathe
May 1 - 1840
G:D:B:
[Page 1]
My dear Son
Your brother Warner got your
letter and I am pleased to hear that
your services are worth at least twice
the sum you ever got before; and that
perseverance and fidelity have achieved
for you what they never fail to do
for all who practice those virtues =
You have of course given up
the prospect of entering in business; on
your account another year; but
something may occur more favourable
in your circumstances sooner than
expected and the addition of more
experience to your stock, will prove
a valuable capital when it bestows
the confidence of people in trade -
besides you can now look to saving
from your wages = It grieves me
to hear you are still persecuted with
the intermittent but hope it may have
left by this; and Warner is now
unwell. I hear that he will not be
able to undertake business without a
very material change in his health
which is not likely to be the case at
the commencement of next year.
[Page 2]
We are in the middle of Winter ere
it begins; for I do not recollect
to have seen such a day as last Sunday
was; these forty years at this season;
and if the ice is increasing at the Polar
circles as navigators say, then it
is not likely to be diminished by
the operations of the approaching season.
The winter however brings its
pleasures, and none of a more interes=
=ting character that the hope of seeing
you at Christmas. Now that I am
in Solitude and Poverty, the company
of my children is doubly acceptable
to me and I hope you will not be
prevented from coming by any trifling
obstacle, = at that time, we must also
dispose of the women & children and shall
want your counsel on the occasion, and on
other matters = Next week I shall
send the tobacco amounting to £40 wt.. which
is expressly for Ellen. Please get it sold
for her. Some of it is very good; all
the leaf tobacco is tolerable at least, =
I have sold 10 cords of wood to
your uncle John who will hand you
this. He has promised to get me a hat
as I am now wearing a miserable
palmetto = but do not want a hat without
[Page 3]
it is exactly like the one you had
on while here, to fit your head a
little loose not too much and
3½ or 4 dollars will be enough
you can also get him to buy a
$2 cap for your brother - fitted by
your head = Should there [be] any
thing over the wine can you purchase
half a barrel flour and a few
lbs butter, and send them at Xmas
Say when the order
for the wine must come, I can send
it by Mr. Hill from December
court if you will write me
by your uncle -
[Page 4]
Mr. George R. Baylor
Richmond
[Page 1]
I have enjoyed tolerable health, with the exception of occasional colds,
which have been of short duration - though this is
reputed to be an unhealthy region. R H Kidd. -
Sussex County 27th May '44 -
Dear Joe -
Doubtless, you perceive can conjecture from what is
written above, the reason of my leaving old Caro=
line, and taking up my residence in the county
of Sussex. You remember, when I saw you last,
I suggested the intention, of endeavouring to pro=
cure a situation in some private family, for
the purpose of keeping school; and accordingly
made several attempts, though without success. In
the intirim, however, I had written several com=
munications to gentlemen in different parts
of the state, to which, I had then received no
response. In the month of March I received an
answer to one of these letters, informing me of the
accpetance of my offer - And now my friend, I
am here in Sussex, fulfilling that divine injunc=
tion, "man shall eat his bread by the sweat of
his brow."
The school to which I have refered, is
composed of seventeen scholars - most of whom
approximate to maturity, so nearly, as to know
how to appreciate the value and importance
of an education, which you know is a great
consolation. I have to wak about a mile and
half, twice per day - I mean it is that distance
from my place of residence to the school house,
[Page 2]
in regard to which exercise, you may make your
own speculations - adding for myself, this remark,
although it may conduce to my general health,
yet in warm weather, the walk is somewhat
fatuguing. This is a fine neighborhood, and upon
the whole, I must say, that I have not been disap=
pointed, but on the contrary, my expectations have
been fully realized. - I cannot withhold to mention,
with what indifference and coldness I was received,
when first I planted my foot upon the soil of Sussex -
how I was viewed with a suspicious eye ; nor can I
forget to tell you, what a striking contrast now ex=
ists. But who is there amongst us, that would not,
at first, have his doubts and fears concerning a
stranger? What philanthropist would not be dis=
posed to allow quandaries to impound his mind?
Such reflections as these, afforded much consola=
tion, and as a condequence, I was constrained to
to be satisfied and contented.
The period of my la=
bor, will only be about eight months, for which I
shall receive two hundred & fifty dollars, (as I sup=
pose, for I have made no calculation) concerning
which you may again have your own opinion. -
The school is not given to me, but I am to receive a spe=
cified salary, for teaching a certain number of
scholars, and this sum is to augment in proportion
[Page 3]
as that number may, from time to time, increase.
But enough. In August, I shall visit Caroline, &
probably have an opportunity of meeting with you
again, before you leave for W & M. where you have
spent so many agreeable hours, and where you are
destined to spend as many more, with those beings,
more charming than the fruit, presented to the
vision of the unfortunate & unhappy Tantalus. Wom=
an! what misanthrope, even, is not attacted by her
charms? With such gallimation as this, I could turn
this sheet, and fill it out again, and such is my
desire, but I know I should be trespassing, & there=
fore forbear.
In your answer to this, leave nothing
of importance or interest, unnoticed. Inform me
how many students there are, and how many old
acquaintances - and to such I desire to be remem=
bered. Give my respects to Dr. Fleet & family, and en=
quire whether he recd. the Tobacco seed, which I sent
him. I sincerely hope, his efforts have been crowned
with success. inform me of the whole circumstance.
Remember me cordially to my old [torn, illegible] Mr White,
a gentleman, in whom I have an abiding confi=
dence, and for whom I have the highest Esteem
and respect. - and tell him I shall visit him
whenever I can. May, the last words which I add=
ressed to him, be fulfilled, - that is to say that he
[Page 4]
has a full school. I am anxious to hear from you
all, and hope that you will not be too dilatory. -
It is against my creed to apologize, but his writing
and paper are so indifferent, that you must over=
look. them
I wish you much success in your anticipated pro=
fession, and [crossed out, illegible] hope you may fulfill that sentiment, which you
I have so often expressed - a man can do any-thing
if he will persevere. Believe me now & forever yr.
sincere friend
R.H.K.
Joseph M.Kay Esq
Fleetwood Academy
King and Queen
Va.
Templeton Va
May 28th 44
[Page 1]
Grenwich Jany. 14th. 1845
My dear Niece
I cannot tell you how much
pleased I was upon returning from a little excursi-
-on in the neighborhood, to find your brother
George here, who I had not heard was in the
County until yesterday; he seemed anxious to
turn his face homewards to day, but as I had
not seen him for such a length of time, nor
even heard from any of you, I prevailed upon
him to stay one day longer for my satisfacti
-on, & I fear I have wearied him with questions
about you, & all my old acquaintances, he is
so much grown, that but for his likeness to
your father & mother I do not think I shd-
have known him. I am sorry to find that
the object of his visit will not be accomplish
-ed at this time, as he tells me he has not
received the money from Mr. Smith, who
has the business in his hands, & from whom
I have not yet received a cent of what is
due me; for it appears to me there is
always some obstacle in the way & justice
being done to the needy, at least it seems
they have sometimes a great deal of trouble
to obtain their right; but however I hope
[continued from page 4]
to send them but [illegible] presents to all the little children have
cleared out every thing I had.
[running vertically]
I trust they will turn out well. Do remember me kindly to Miss E Jones & her sister
Believe me my dear Niece whether you hear from me or not your Affectionate
Aunt. M.P.O.
[Page 2]
that after a time we shall all get what is
due us, altho' we may be put to some trouble
first. George will tell you about your Aunt
Mary, whom he has seen, & her six children, a
heavy charge indeed, upon indigent parents
but they are generally fine children; her se-
-cond son has been extremely ill, but is now
better. I have now been living near them
for three years, they have been a great source
of anxiety & deep regret to me, for I found my
means totally inadequate to aid them essen-
-tially, or to enable them to educate their
children, all that I could do was to keep them
as much as I possibly could from present
suffering: but I hope that Mr Whiting
will now exert himself to better purpose
than heretofore, as he has lately made a
proffesion of religion & will soon connect
himself to the Baptist Ch[u]rch, from what I
have seen of him I think & believe he is really
changed, & I trust that his exertions for the
benefit of his poor helpless family, will now
be blessed with success. I do not have it in my
power to see her as often as I wish, as your Un-
-cle John's animosity against them is such that
he does not even like me to have any commu-
-nication with them, whilst I am here, but
[Page 3]
the Lord helping me, I am resolved never to with-
hold any aid I am blessed with the means of
bestowing, from the needy & unfortunate, & least of all
from my own kindredred after the flesh, & in so
doing, I most sincerely disclaim all merit or even
the shadow of it; & feel that I could not do other-
-wise without subjecting myself to insupportable
remorse of conscience, & to the awful condemna
-ation, "inasmuch as ye have not done it to one
of the least of these ye have not done it to
me." & I feel that it is not for me to decide upon
the worthiness or unworthiness of my suffering fel-
low being whose misery claims my sympathy.
Your Uncle Warren was here in Dec you will
be surprised to hear, that he is now a zealou[s]
member of the Methodist Church [torn, illegible]
we exclaim amazing Grace, for never was its
power & efficacy more wonderfully exemplified
than in the salvation of him the chief of
sinners, who seems now tiwh the simplicity
of a little child to be willing to sit at the feet
of Jesus, & to learn of the humblest of his follow
-ers; when I saw him those words were brought
to mind, "unless ye become as a little child" &c for
in disposition & feeling he indeed seems to have un
-dergone that wonderful transformation wh
none but a power from on high could effect, he
seems to be the happiest person I ever saw, altho
laboring under many worldly cares & troubles, with
seven children to provide for & no means ade-
[Page 4]
-quate to the demands of their necessities it is
indeed gratifying & edifying to see his entire
childlike repentance, & christian resignation to the
will of his heavenly Father. I have nearly filled my
paper without mentioning your father & the dear
Chidren, & dear Jane. I wish I could see you all
give my affectionate love to them all you must
not think I do not love you & think of you be-
-cause I do not write; for I really have an almost
insuperable aversion to writing, wh I can seldom
overcome except when compelled to write on business.
Miss Ellen A. Baylor
Caroline County
I wish [torn, illegible] I [illegible] something [illegible] worth [illegible] you my
dear Niece, the handf. & collar tho' of little value you
must wear for my sake, I hope the calico will be enough to
make little Louisa a frock; I had not time to finish the
needle Book tell Julia she must finish & use it; I send
some trifles to Chloe & Juda; & some Cotton for J to make
a shirt for her father. give the pin cushion to dear
Jane & tell her altho a trifle it serve to remind her
of me. A lady from this County saw your Sister J. at the
Springs & expressed herself pleased at forming the acquaint-
-ance; I hope she is not a less affectionate daughter or sister
from being fortune's favorite, if so I shall think she is not
to be envied. I must not forget to mention the two
boys give my love to them I wish I could find something