I Give and Bequeath all my Negroes…
Courtesy of Provincial Archives of New Brunswick, #7933, 1802
In 1802 Jacob Ellwood “willed” his slaves as property, along with his horses, cattle, and sheep, to his son William.
Transcription:
… And I give and bequeath all my negroes (except one negro wench called Betty which I give to my son William Ellegood + one negro girl not above the age of twelve years which I give to my grand daughter Rebecca Aitchison Ellegood to chosen by my said grand daughter) and all my horses, neat cattle & livestock of every kind (except four head of neat cattle & twenty sheep which I give to my said son – William Ellegood) and also all my bonds notes and other securities for money…