Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1858-1860, 1858-03-12

BIZ No. lsl, to make ualid the n,napatds seiu


Bill No. Ie1, to make Ualid the n,nzPdtois scsU
+, of Milton 7ate bang under consideration, :
Mr.. SPEAKER: do not design this morning
to detain the time and business of the Senate
with speech upon this question, but merely
to make short statement of facts in relation
to the object and provisions Of the Bill. DR..
Tate but few hours before his death. made
and published. in presence of respectable citi-
zens who knew him well, nuncupative will,
which has been proven and recorded in the
County Court of Anderson county. which will
l hope, for the information of the Senate,
be read. The boy John named in the will, is
advanced in years, and notwithstanding he is
"a black man and slave, for many years. and
up to the death of the Dr.. was faithful and
obedient servant, and more than that,
Mr.. Speaker, he is a preacher and man of
excellent moral character and piety. and con-
sidered an honest man / believe by all who
knew him; his moral bearing amongst his col
ored friends had done much 10 improve the
morals and good behaviour of the slaves in the
town and settlement where he lives, and all
who are acquainted with John and his wife
desire to see the will carried out, and wish
John to remain with his family in the settle
ment where they have so long witnessed his
piety and good example, and to enjoy the
benefits set forth in the will of his departed
master. 1t will be seen, Mr.. Speaker. by ref
old and faithful servants to remain on and
enjoy small farm set apart for that purpose;
and will further state, Mr.. Speaker, that the
brothers of the Doctor who are the only legal
representatives and beneficiaries of his estate,
Che having died without issue) have very ear
nestly petitioned the General Assembly to
make valid the will of their brother ! am
acquainted with the Tate family, and Mr.. Spea-
ker. they are gentlemen of the first order, and
some of them during the canvass last summer
spoke to me on this subject and expressed
great desire to have the provisions of their
brothers will carried out.
will further state Mr.. Speaker, that this
boy, John. is responsible and his word con-
sidered good for anything he may promise !;
and he could as readily borrow five hundred
dollars, where he is known, as any one. By
the will it will be seen that guardian, if
necessary, may be appointed for John and
family, which / understand has perhaps been
done, and that Mr.. Adkins, the administrator.
is acting such. l promised, Mr.. Speaker,
not to detain the Senate. The bill has been
before the committee on the judiciary, who
have had the facts before Them and have re-
| Commended the rejection of the same. shall
| regret, Mr.. Speaker, very much to see the bill
| rejected, as l consider its passage will do
harm to no one on earth, and will be of much
| qualification TO the friends of the deceased
and acquaintance of John, and his moral
WORTH MISUNDERSTANDING ne Is Dlack man,
| he is considered an honest man. and if the
| Senate, Mr.. Speaker, can, with propriety,
vote for the bill shall feel much gratifed.
l am sure if they knew John, and was
aware of the solicitude, and interest the
| brothers and friends of the deceased, as well
as those acquainted with all the circumstances
and with John. feel upon this subject, not a
| Senator upon this floor, could have any feel
! ing upon this subject. adverse to the pas
sage Of this bill. And, Mr. Speaker, if the
| Senate after looking 10 the facts, in this case,
can with prOpriety, vote for the bill, shall
feel much gratified. Feeling Mr.. Speaker,
that have discharged my duty as a Senator,
to my constituents, and to that portion of
them who have manifested wish to see the
| provisions of DR.. TATE's will carried out.
submit the question to the Senate, hoping
| they may find it consistent with their views OF
propriety to pass the bill. With their decision
am content.