Randolph, Edmund (1753-1813) [Manumission of mulatto slave Robert Cowley from the estate of Peter Randolph]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05490 Author/Creator: Randolph, Edmund (1753-1813) Place Written: Richmond, Virginia Type: Autograph document signed Date: 21 December 1785 Pagination: 1 p. ; 23.1 x 18.6 cm. Order a Copy
Signed and sealed in the presence of Beverly Randolph, Martha Randolph, and James Rim. Randolph purchases the slave, Robert Cowley, from Peter Randolph, deceased, with the intention of freeing the slave. Cowley purchased his freedom from Randolph for fifty pounds. Notes that Cowley is older than forty-five years. Document is a court copy.
Randolph was an attorney, Governor of Virginia, Secretary of State, and the first United States Attorney General.
[Draft Created by Crowdsourcing]
Know all men by these present: that I Edmund Randolph of the city of Richmond, having this day purchased [inserted: a mulatto man, named Robert Cowley] at the sale of Col. Peter Randolph, deceased, negroes, made by his executors before [Formuola's] tavern in the said city, at public auction, and he having paid me the sum of fifty pounds, and my sole object in bidding for him having been to gratify him, I do hereby emancipate and set free him, the said Robert Cowley, and do entirely and fully discharge him from every species of servitude. And I do hereby bind my self my heirs, executors and administrators to perform all duties, which may be imposed on me by virtue of the "act to authorize the manumission of slaves", in consequence of having now emancipated the said Robert Cowley, who is above the age of forty five years. Given under my hand and seal this 21st day of december 1785.
Signed sealed and delivered in the presence of Beverly Randolph
Martha Randolph
James Rim
Edmund Randolph
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