Bill of Sale (Stevens/Varnedoe)

“Whereas by a Decree obtained at April Term eighteen hundred and fifty three of Liberty Superior Court in a cause in which Henry M. Stevens & wife and others were complainants & Peter W. Fleming, Josiah S. Law, and Joseph Law were defendants it was amongst other things ordered adjudged and decreed that the said Defendants be discharged from their trusts under the marriage settlement of the said Henry M. and wife Elizabeth S. and that the said Henry M. be appointed sole Trustee in the place and stead of the said original Trustees. And whereas it was further ordered and decreed that the said Henry M. substituted Trustee be fully authorized and empowered to sell and dispose of the said Negroes or any portion of them settled in said deed of Marriage settlement either at public or private sale at such time or times and to such person or persons as he may think fit and good and sufficient titles to make and execute and the proceeds to reinvest etc.

Now know all men by these presents that I Henry M. Stevens substituted Trustee under and by virtue of the power and authority conferred upon me in and by said Decree and in execution of the same and for and in consideration of the sum of one thousand five hundred dollars to me in hand paid by Samuel M. Varnadoe [alt: Varnedoe] at and before the sealing and delivery of these presents the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged have bargained sold and convey unto the said Samuel M. Varnadoe the following named Slaves the same being a portion of the negroe Slaves settled in said Deed of Marriage Settlement and which I am authorised and empowered by said Decree to sell and dispose of to wit, Rose Patsy Mary and Charles. To have and to hold said negroe slaves with the future issue and increase of the females unto him the said Samuel M. Varnadoe his heirs and assigns forever in fee simple. And the right and title to the said negro slaves I do hereby warrant and defend against the claims of myself and all other persons whether of law or equity. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twentieth day of April Eighteen hundred and fifty three.”

Witnessed by W.P. Girardeau, W.E.W. Quarterman, J.I.C.L.C. Recorded on January 11, 1855, by S.A. Fraser, Clerk.