Nathaniel Tatum, the executor of the late Isham Tatum Sr., and Isham Tatum Jr. represent that the said testator died in 1850 having first "made his last will and testament by which he directed that his negroes Jim, Jeptha, Thaddeus and Timothy should be free whenever the youngest of them should become 21 years of age." The petitioners note, however, that Tatum Sr. "made no provision for removing them beyond the limits of the commonwealth except to give them the sum of ten dollars each." They further point out that in December 1857 "the youngest of said slaves will become of age, and they will then be free by the terms of the will." Averring that said slaves "will be left a burthen upon the public, without masters or protectors, contrary to public policy and in violation of the laws of this state," the petitioners pray "that said slaves may be sold for the benefit of the said testator's estate."
Result: Referred to committee.
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Repository: Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia
