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Lot Number: 183
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Estimate Range: $600 - $800
Current Bidding Status
This Lot is CLOSED for Absentee Bidding.
1828 Last Will and Testament Provides Manumission, “I give unto my boy Henry for his true & faithful service to me his freedom forever"

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December 31, 1828-Date Created, Manuscript Legal Document, Last Will and Testament of William Lawrence of St. Mary's County, Maryland, executed on November 12th, 1833, in which he Frees his Slave Henry for his “true and faithful service,” Fine.

In this Last Will and Testiment, William Lawrence frees his Slave Henry for his true and faithful service. The manumission reads, in part: "I give unto my boy Henry for his true & faithful service to me his freedom forever". Slave Henry still had to wait 5 years for his freedom, as William Lawrence's will wasn't “probated” until 1833. Lawrence disposed of the remainder of his "Negro property" - "to be equally divided between Elizabeth Lawrence & Ruth Haney to them and their heirs forever after the death of my wife Mary Lawrence". This 2-page on one sheet 12.25” x 7.5” legal size document is written in dark brown ink which is easily readable on clean wove period paper, some fold splits mended with archival tape which is not distracting.
Keywords: 1828, Black History, Manuscript Legal Document, Will and Testament, Slave, Manumission, Freedom, Negro
Lot Number: 183
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Estimate Range: $600 - $800
Early American History Auctions, Inc.
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