William Hollister seeks to emancipate his slaves Thomas, commonly called Tom Hollister, and Mary, wife of a mulatto named Richard Smith, for their meritorious services. During twenty years as his slave, the owner explains, Thomas made several voyages to the West Indies and New York "where he might have easily obtained his freedom by absconding"; during fifteen or sixteen years as his slave, Mary achieved notable success in the management of his household and "as nurse to his children." She has been living in virtual freedom for the past five or six years.
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Repository: North Carolina Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, North Carolina
