Deed: Bill of Sale: Macrae to Webster (enslaved person/emancipation)

In November 1815, Daniel Webster left a Will that stated that he left his "wife Lucy Webster (whom I purchased from the late John Macrae esq.) and to my child James Webster -- their freedom and enfranchisement forever, excluding all claim or right to them of any persons whatsoever."


Daniel was a free man of Color who purchased Lucinda from her master, John Macrae, for $60 as recorded in PWCo Deed Book 4, pg. 258.



PWCo Deed Book 4, pg. 258

Know all men by these presents that I John Macrae of Prince William County for & in consideration of the sum of sixty dollars & fifty-five cents paid by the note of Betsey Tebbs & Thomas Chapman of Dumfries due on the 20th of January next the receipt where of is hereby acknowledged hath bargained sold aliened & confirmed & by these presents doth bargain sell alien & confirm unto Daniel Webster a mulatto woman Lucinda to him the said Daniel Webster his heirs Executors & administrators or assigns forever & the said John Macrae his heirs Exrs & admrs warrants & defends that the said Lucinda to the said Webster his heirs Exrs Admrs & assigns against the claim or claims of all & every person or persons whatsoever.   In Witness whereof the said John Macrae hath hereunto set his hand & seal this fifth day of October 1810.

Jno. Macrae {seal}

Witnessed by 
Wm. Smith
Thomas Chapman

B. It is understood by the parties to the above bill of sale that the woman Lucinda therein mentioned is not to leave the service of sd. Macrae until Xmas next.

Daniel [X his mark] Webster

Witness
Wm. Smith
Thomas Chapman

At a Court held for Prince William County FEbruary 4th 1811
   This Deed from John Macrae to Daniel Webster was acknowledged by the sd. Macrae and ordered to be recorded.

Teste, J. Williams

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After purchasing Lucy, Daniel petitioned the Virginia House of Delegates to emancipate her.

To the Honorable the Speaker and House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia. 

Your Petitioner Daniel Webster humbly represents that he is a freeman of Colour now in the decline of life being fifty eight years old. That while a Slave he connected himself with a Mulatto Woman as his wife by whom he has Several Children and who is nearly as old as himself. That lately he purchased his said wife (whose name is Lucy) and being unwilling to hold in bondage one thus connected with him and the mother of his children and especially fearing the Consequences of dying she still remaining a Slave - he is exceedingly Solicitous to emancipate her. That where they are known & have made some Patrons they are able to live in comfort, but to be turned out into another and Strange State where they are unknown at their time of life would be to cloud their last days with Misery and want and perhaps to throw them in their old age upon the Charity of the World. This must be the consequence of his wifes Emancipation unless your Honorable body will under the Peculiar Circumstances of the Case relax the rigor of the law and permit his wife after her liberation to remain in her native Country. This indulgence your Petitioner humbly prays and as in duty bound will ever pray &c [etc.]. Daniel Webster Prince Wm. County Nov. 18

Cite: Webster, Daniel: Petition, Prince William County, 1812-12-11, Legislative Petitions Digital Collection, Library of Virginia, Richmond, Va