Jamieson, Robert (fl. 1842) to William H. Tuck
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06207 Author/Creator: Jamieson, Robert (fl. 1842) Place Written: Alexandria, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 17 November 1842 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 25.7 x 20.3 cm. Order a Copy
A letter transmitting an excerpt of Virginia law on emancipation. Page one is an excerpt of the law "Old revised code of Virginia of 1800, cap. 103, section 36 - page 191 (which is the law of Alexa. County, D.C.)," lower half of page one is removed. Third page is letter of transmittal, referring to the case of "Debby" a slave who had apparently been liberated in the will of her owner. Notes that if Debbie has to return to servitude with her children, her case will be "one of extreme hardship and injustice." With numerous mathematical calculations on address leaf.
[draft]
Old revised code of Virginia of 1800- cap. 103-section 36- page 191. - (Which is the law of Alexa County &. c)
"It shall be lawful for any person by his or her last will and testament, or by any other instrument in writing, under his or her hand and seal, attested and [proved] in the County or Corporation Court by two witnesses, or acknowledged by the party in the Court of the County where he or she resides, to emancipate and set free his or her slaves, or any of them, who shall therefore be entirely and fully discharged from the performance of any contract entered into during servitude, and enjoy as full freedom as if they had been particularly named and freed by this act."
[2]
Alexa Nov 17 1842
Wm H. Tuck Esqr
Dear Sir
Your fav of the 14th is before me. Prefiz it you will find an extract from our laws in relation to the manumission of slaves which was furnish'd by the clerk of our court here; also the order for the Deed. There is not a shadow of doubt but I could bring slaves here- and could free them at any time- Debby's case will be one of [struck: one] extreme hardship and injustice if she has to go with her children into servitude in the face of her Master's will so clearly liberating them all; of course she must remain where she is untill the case is decided, which decision I hope, thro' your efforts will be in her favour.
Very Respectfully
Yr Mo Obt Servt
Robt Jamieson
[docket]
Law
R Jamieson
[address leaf]
Paid 6 c
No 37
Wm H. Tuck Esq
Upp Marlbro'
Prince Geo Cy
Maryland
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.