The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1866-01-11
Intesesting Old Doc y ment.


The Fredericksburg (va.) Ledger
contains the will of the mother of
Washington, as written by herself,
and recorded in the Clerks Office of
Spottsylvania County. We publish
below the rare and curious document.
The original is in the possession of
Mr.. j. j. Chew, of Fredericksburg:
In the name of God, Amen. I,
Mary Washington, of Fredericksburg,
in the County of Spottsylvania, being
in good health, but calling to mind
the uncertainty of this life, and will
ing to dispose OF what remains of my
worldly estate, do make and publish
this, my last will, recommending my
soul into the hands of my Creator,
hoping for remission of all my sins,
through the merits and mediations of
Jesus Christ, the Saviour of mankind,
L dispose of all my worldly estates rs
follows:
Imprimis-I give to my son, Gen
eral George Washington, all my lands
on Aecokeek Run, in the County of
Stafford; and, also, my negro boy
George, to him and his heirs forever;
also, my best bed, bedstead and Vir-
yinia cloth curtains, (the same that
stands in my best room), my quilted
!lue-and-white quilt, and my best
uressing-glass.
Item-I give and devise to my son,
Charles Washington, my negro man
Tom, to him and his assigns forever.
Item-I give and bequeath to my
daughter, Betty Lewis, my phnton
and bay horse.
ltem-I give and devise to my
daughter-in-law, Hannah Washing
ton, my purple cloak lined with shag.
Item-I give and devise to my
grandson, Corbin Washington, my
negro wench old Bet, my riding chair
assigns forever.
Item-I give and devise to my
grandson, Fielding Lewis, my negro
man Frederick, to him aud his assigns
forever; also, eight silver tablespoons,
half my crockery- and the blue
and white china, walnut bookcase,
oval table, one bed, one bed-spread,
one pair of sheets, one 2.air OF blan-
kets, and one white counterpanc, two
table-cloths, six red leather chairs,
half of my pewter, one-half Of my iron
kitchen furniture.
Item-I give and devise to my
grandson, Lawrence Lewis, my
negro wench Lydia, to him and his
assigns forever
Item-I give and devise to my
granddaughter, Betty Carter, my
negro woman little Bet, and her
future increase, to her and her assigns
forever; also, my largest looking
glass, my walnut writing desk with
drawers, a square dining table, one
bed, bedstead, bolster, one pillow,
one blanket and pair of sheets, white
Virginia cloth counterpane and pur-
pie curtains, my red and white tea
china, teaspoon, and the other half
OF pewter, crockery-ware and the
remainder of my kitchen furniture.
Item-I give to my grandson,
George Washington, my next best
dressing glass, one bedstead. bed,
bolster, one pillow, one pair of sheets,
one blanket and counterpane.
Item-I devise all my wearing
apparel to be equally divided among
my granddaughter, Betty Carter,
Fanny Ball and Milly Washington;
but should my daughter, Betty
Lewis, fancy any one, two or three
articles thereof, she is to have them
before division thereof
Lastly-I nominate and appoint
my said son, George Washington,
executor Of this my will, and as owe
few or no debts, [ direct my executor
to give no security, nor to appraise
my estate; but desire the same may
be allotted to my devisees with as
little trouble and delay as may be,
desiring their acceptance thereof as
all the token [ now have to give
them.
In witness whereof have herennto
set my hand and seal, this twentieth
day OF May, seventeen hundred and
eighty-eig
(Seal. MARY WAsINGToN.
Signed, sealed and published in
our presence, and signed by us in the
presence of the said Mary Washing
ton, at her desire.
Witnesses:
JAMES MERCER,
JOSEPH WALKER,
JOAN FERNEY HOUGH.
A PATENT PULPIT. Some years ago,
according to the London Punch, a
benevolent and ingenious Enghshman
contrivcd an excellent article in this
line. 1t is to be introduced into this