Viewing page 7 of 76
This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.
...THE WILL OF... MARY WASHINGTON, AS REGISTERED IN THE CLERK'S OFFICE AT FREDERICKSBURG, - - - - VIRGINIA In the name of God! Amen. I, Mary Washington, of Fredericksburg, in the County of Spotsylvania, being in good health, but calling to mind the uncertainty of this life, and willing to dispose of what remains of my worldly estate, do make and publish this, my last will, recommending my soul into the hands of my Creator, hoping for remission of all my sins through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, the Savior of mankind; I dispose of my worldly estate as follows: Imprimis.-I give to my son, General George Washington, all my land in Accokeek Run, in the County of Stafford, and also my negro boy George, to him and his heirs forever. Also my best bed, bedstead, and Virginia cloth curtains (the same that stands in my best bed-room), my quilted blue-and-white quilt, and my best dressing-glass. Item.-I give and devise to my son, Charles Washington, my negro man, Tom, to him and his assigns forever. Item.-I give and devise to my daughter, Betty Lewis, my phaeton and my bay horse. Item.-I give and devise to my daughter-in-law, Hannah Washington, my purple cloth cloak lined with shag. Item.-I give and devise to my grandson, Corbin Washington, my negro wench, old Bet, my riding chair, and two black horses, to him and his assigns forever. Item.-I give and devise to my grandson, Fielding Lewis, my negro man, Frederick, to him and his assigns forever; also eight silver tablespoons, half of my crockery ware and the blue-and-white tea china, with book case, oval table, one bedstead on pair sheets, one pair blankets and white cotton counterpaine, two table cloths, six red leather chairs, half my pewter and one-half of my iron kitchen furniture. Item.-I give and devise to my grandson Lawrence Lewis, my negro wench Lydia, to him and his assigns forever. Item.-I give and devise to my granddaughter, Bettie Carter, my negro woman, little Bet, and her future increase, to her and her assigns forever; also my largest looking-glass, my walnut writing desk with drawers, a square dining table, one bed, bedstead, bolster, one pillow, one blanket and pair of sheets, white Virginia cloth counterpane and purple curtains, my red-and-white tea china, teaspoons, and the other half of my pewter, crockery ware, and the remainder of my iron kitchen furniture. Item.-I give to my grandson, George Washington, my next best dressing glass, one bed, bedstead, bolster, one pillow, one pair sheets, one blanket and counterpaine. Item.-I devise all my wearing apparel to be equally divided between my grand-daughters, Bettie Carter, Fannie Ball, and Milly Washington; but should my daughter, Betty Lewis, fancy any one, two or three articles, she is to have them before a division thereof. Lastly. I nominate and appoint my said son, General George Washington, executor of this, my will, and as I owe few or no debts, I direct my executor to give no security nor to appraise my estate, but desire the same may be allotted to my devisees, with as little trouble and delay as may be, desiring their acceptance thereof as all the token I now have to give them of my love for them. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 20th day of May, 1778. MARY WASHINGTON. Witness, JOHN FERNEYHOUGH. Signed, sealed, and published in our presence, and signed by us in the presence of the said Mary Washington, and at her desire. J. MERCER, JOSEPH WALKER.
