Six slaves formerly belonging to the late Philip E. Vass or his father's estate, sue for their freedom. In his will, Vass stated that "My wish and desire is that my two servants Mary and Jacob and all my interest in the undivided servants belonging to my fathers estate to be emancipated." The will also directs that $2,000 be appropriated from his estate for the purpose of purchasing a lot of land for the slaves and that suitable houses be built if none exist. According to the will, the slaves should be provided with livestock, food, and other provisions. Isaac Medley, the executor of Vass's estate, "still retains the possession of your orator and oratrices as slaves." The petitioners therefore pray that Medley “may be required to suffer your Orator and oratrices to be registered as free persons & enjoined from longer restraining them of their freedom.”
Result: Granted.
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Repository: North Carolina Department of Archives and History, Raleigh, North Carolina
