Charles Bright, "Administrator with the will annexed of James Duff deceased," seeks a "construction of said will and aid in the due execution of the same." Bright reports that Duff died "seized and possessed both of considerable real and personal estate." He cites that Duff bequeathed "all and singular my negro slaves, both male and female to the American Colonization Society to be by them transported to the American Colony of Liberia to be forever free and independent." In addition, Duff also allocated "the sum of $50" to "each of my negro slaves so set free." Bright further reports that Duff's will directed that "until it shall be convenient for the above named Society to transport my negro slaves so set free, that they shall be hired out by families and the proceeds thereof ... be applied towards having the children both male and female taught to read, write and cypher." Noting his lack of legal expertise, Bright pleads for assistance in executing "all the points that may arise under said will." He also prays "that this Court would appoint a guardian or guardians" for the twenty-eight slaves, whom he has requested be named as parties to the bill. A related document reveals that Charles Bright delivered "all the slaves intitled to be liberated under the will of James Duff deceased" to the master of the “Schooner David C.Fraser, the vessel Designated by the Colonization Society for the transportation of Emigrants to the Colony of Liberia, and received by him on board said vessel on the 12 day of March 1850."
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Repository: Lincoln County Courthouse, Fayetteville, Tennessee
