Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

Lots 165 and 166

In the first recorded deed for Lots 165 and 166, dated July 7, 1717, the Trustees of the City of Williamsburg conveyed Lots 165 and 166 to John Brush:

This Indenture made the Seventh day of July in the fourth year of the Reign of Our Sovereign Lord George by the Grace of God of Great Britain France & Irland King Defender of the faith &c & in the year of our Lord God One thousand Seven hundred & Seventeen Between the Feoffees or Trustees for the Land appropriated for the building & Erecting the City of 2 Williamsburgh of the One part & John Brush of the County of James City of the other part Witnesseth that the Said Feoffees or Trustees for divers good Causes & Considerations them thereunto moving but more especially for & in Consideration of Five Shillings of Good & lawfull money of England to them in hand paid at & before the ensealing & delivery of these presents the Receipt whereof & themselves therewith fully contended & paid they do hereby acknowledge Have Granted bargained Sold Demised & to farm Letten unto the Sd John Brush his heirs & assigns Two certain Lotts of Ground in the Sd City of Williamsburgh designed in the Platt of the Sd City by these figures 165. 166 with all Pasturages woods & water & all manner of profites Commoditys & hereditements whatsoever to the Same belonging or in any wise appertaining To Have & To Hold the Sd Granted premisses & any part thereof with the appurtenances unto the Sd John Brush his Execor. Adminrs. or Assigns for and during the Term & time of one whole year from the day of the date of these presents fully to be compleat & Ended Yielding & Paying to the Sd Feoffees or Trustees the yearly Rent of One grain of Indian Corn to be paid on the Tenth day of October yearly if it be demanded to the intent that the Sd John Brush may be in actual & peaceable possession of the premisses & that by vertue hereof & the Statute for Transferring uses into possession he may better enabled to accept a Release of the Reversion & inheritance thereof to him & his heirs for ever In Witness whereof John Clayton Esqr & William Robertson Gent. Two of the Feoffees or Trustees have hereunto Sett their hands & Seals the day & year above written

John Clayton seal
Wil. Robertson seal

Signed Sealed & delivered
in the presence of

At a Court held for York County July 21st 1718

John Clayton Esqr & William Robertson Gent. Feoffees or Trustees for the Land appropriated for the building & Erecting the City of Williamsburgh presented & 3 acknowledged this their Deed of Lease for Two Lotts of the Sd Land to John Brush & on his mon it is admitted to Record

Test Phi: Lightfoot Cl Cur.

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This Indenture made the Eight day of July in the Fourth year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George by the Grace of God of Great Britain France & Irland King Defender of the faith &c & in the year of our Lord God One thousand Seven hundred & Seventeen Between the Feoffees or Trustees for the Land Appropriated for the building & Erecting the City of Williamsburg of the One part & John Brush of the County of York of the Other part Witnesseth that whereas the Sd John Brush by One Lease to him by the Sd Feoffees of Trustees bearing date the day before the date of these presents is in actual & peaceable possession of the premisses herein after Granted to the intent that by vertue of the Same & of the Statute for Transferring uses into possession he may be the better enabled to accept a Conveyance & Release of the Reversion & Inheritance thereof to him & his heirs for ever, the Sd Feoffees or Trustees for divers good Causes & Considerations them thereunto moving but more especially for & in consideration of Thirty Shillings of Good & lawfull money of England to them in hand paid at & before the ensealing & delivery of these presents the Receipt whereof & themselves therewith fully Satisfyed & paid they do hereby acknowledge Have Granted bargained Sold Remised Released & Confirmed & by these presents for themselves their heirs & Successors as far as in them lyes & under the Limitations & Reservations hereafter mentioned they do Grant Bargain Sell Remise Release & Confirm unto the Sd City of Williamsburgh designed in the Platt of the Sd City by these figures 165. 166. with all wood thereon Growing being together with all profites Commodities Emoluments & advantages whatsoever to the Same belonging or in any wise appertaining to Have & To Hold the Sd Granted premisses & every part thereof with the appurtenances unto the Sd John Brush & to his heirs for ever To Be had & held of our Sovereign Lord the King in free and Common Soccage Yielding & Paying the Quit Rents due & legally accustomed to be paid for the Same to the 4 only use & behoof of him the Said John Brush his heirs & Assigns for ever under the Limitations & Reservations hereafter mentioned & not otherwise that is to Say that if the Sd John Brush his heirs or Assigns Shall not within the Space of Twenty four Months next ensuing the date of these presents begin to build & finish upon each Lott of the Sd Granted premisses One Good Dwelling house or houses of Such Dimensions & to be placed in Such manner as by One Act of Assembly made at the Capitol the Twenty Third day of October 1705 Entitled An Act directing the building the Capitol & City of Williamsburgh &c. is [directed] or as shall be agreed upon prescribed & directed by the Directors appointed for the Settlement & Encouragement of the City of Williamsburgh pursuant to the Trust in them Reposed by vertue of the Sd Act Assembly then it shall & may be lawfull to & for the Sd Feoffees or Trustees or their Successors the Feoffees or Trustees for the Land appropriated for the building & erecting the City of Williamsburgh for the time being unto the Sd Granted premisses & every part thereof with the appurtenances to enter & the same to have again as of their former Estate To Have Hold & Enjoy in like manner as they might otherwise have done if these presents had never been made In Witness whereof John Clayton Esqr & William Robertson Two of the Sd Feoffes or Trustees have hereunto Sett their hands & Seals the day & year above written

Signed Sealed & delivered in the presence of
John Clayton seal
Wil Robertson seal

July the 8th 1718
Received of Mr. John Brush the Sum of Thirty Shillings being the Consideration within mentioned p. me
John Clayton

At a Court held for York County July 21st 1718

John Clayton Esqr & William Robertson Gent. Feoffees or Trustees for the Land appropriated for the building & Erecting the City of Williamsburgh presented & acknowledged this their Deed of Release with Repeipt thereon for Two 5 Lotts of the Said Land to John Brush & on his mon it is admitted to Record

Test Phi: Lightfoot Cl Cur:¹

The deeds of lease and release mention no buildings and contain the usual stipulation that Brush build a dwelling house on each lot according to the specifications of the 1705 act for the building of the Capitol and the city of Williamsburg. Article XXVI of this act covers grants of one or more lots on streets other than Duke of Gloucester Street. A frame house with brick cellars and brick chimneys with dimensions including a minimum of four hundred square feet for each lot could be substituted for the requirement of building a house on each lot.² The original portion of the Brush-Everard House, 20'-0" x 44'-2", adequately meets the requirement.³ Brush evidently built at least one house within the specified twenty-four months (1717-1719) since the lots remained in his possession until his death in 1726. Since subsequent indentures use "house" or "houses" interchangably when referring to buildings on these two lots, 6 it is not possible to determine from the written records whether there was more than one house - excluding the usual outbuildings.

Brush, who described himself as a gunmaker in his will, died sometime between November 26 and December 29, 1726. His will, recorded December 29, 1726, provided for the equal division of his lots in Williamsburg between his unmarried daughter, Elizabeth Brush, and his son-in-law, Thomas Barbar, husband of Susanna Brush Barbar:

In the Name of God Amen I John Brush of the City of Wmsburgh and County of York Gunmaker being Sick and Weak of body but of sound & perfect mind and memory thanks be Given to God therefore do make & Ordain this to be my last Will and testament in manner and form following And first of all I Commend my Soul unto Almight God that gave it trusting in his Infinite mercy for pardon of my Sins through the merits only of Jesus Christ my Saviour and my body to the Earth to be interred in a decent manner at the discretion of my Executors hereinafter named Nothing doubting but at the General Resurrection I shall receive the Same again by the mighty power of God And as touching such worldly goods as God in his mercy hath bestowed upon me I Give devise and dispose there of as follows
I Give and bequeath unto my Son Anthony Brush One Shilling Sterling
I Give and Bequeath unto my Daughter Anna Maria Twenty pounds Sterling
I Will that all my houses and Lots in Williamsburgh do descend Equally unto my Son in Law Thomas Barbar and my Daughter Elizabeth Brush and their heirs for Ever And for their better Agreement I do direct that the same shall (when Either of these Legatees shall require it) by four honest and Indifferent men upon their Oaths be valued and apraised And then if the said Legatees do Agree that Either shall possess the whole I will that Such Possessor shall pay unto the other Legatee relinquishing one half of the Valuation aforesaid by such payments 7 and within such reasonable time as they shal Agree And then the Legatee so possessed shal inherit the said premises to him or her his or her heirs for Ever But in Case of their disagreeing that one should possess the whole as aforesaid or concerning the manner of the payment aforesaid Or if the said Legatees shal find it most Condusive to their Advantage to make Sale of the premises or any part thereof Either Case I do direct and impower them or either of them to make such Sale and Sales by good and Sufficient deeds in Law and to Convey the Same as fully & absolutely as I my Self might or could do if living And that the Produce thereof be Divided Equally between the said Legattees and their heirs respectively.
I Give unto my friend Joseph Davenport of Wmsburgh a Pistole to buy him Ring
I Give and bequeath all the Rest and Residue of my Estate of what kind so Ever unto the sd Thomas Barbar and Elizabeth Brush to be Equally divided between them and their heirs Respectively
I Do hereby Constitute and appoint the said Thomas Barbar and Elizabeth Brush Executors of this my last Will and Testament hereby revokeing all former and other Wills by me heretofore made In Testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal this twenty Sixth day of November Anno Domini 1726
[torn] published & Declared to be
[torn] tament in presence of us
John Brush Seal
[torn] Creas, Thos. Walker,

At a Court held for York County Decr. 19th. 1726 This Will and t[esta]ment of John Brush deced was presented in Court by Thomas Barbar and Elizabeth Br [torn] oath to it and being proved by the Oaths of the Witn [torn]⁴

The inventory and appraisement of the estate of John Brush was recorded February 2, 1726/27. This inventory contains a 8 number of blacksmith and gunsmith tools as well as household furniture:

Inventory & appraisemt of the Estate of Mr. John Brush deced.

1 Vice 45 li at	6d £1..2..6
One Do 54 li	2.10..0
One Do 26 li	1..6..0	£4..18..6
23 li Steel at 10	19..2
172 li old brass at 9d	6..9..0
48 li old Iron	4..0	7..12..2
54 li Copper	2..5..0
2 old Candlesticks	2..0
One old pestle & mortar	2..0	2..9..0
1 Smoothing Iron 2/
2 Brass pans 5/
three Grid irons 14 li at	1 ½d 9/4 ½	0..16..4 ½
1 brass pot, 1 Skillet, 1 frying pan £1
three Wedges 15 ½ li at 6d 7/9
20 li pewter 7 ½d 12/6		2...0..3
12 li New Cast brass at	9d 9/
One Saw and frame 2/
two old cross cut saws 5/		0..16..0
4 small baggonets 8/
One saddle & bridle 20/
One Silver Watch £4
two horse clogs 5/		5..13..0
1 Clock £6 One old Desk 10/
One Looking Glass	£1.10
One tea table & Chest of Drawers £4		12..0..0
2 bedsteads	£1
a pcell pictures 10/
One old corner cupboard 3/
One cloath brush 1/3		1..14..0
9
2 old feather beds	£2
One flock bed 10/
three pr old blanketts 2 Rugs	£1..5
15 li feathers 15/		4..10..0
1 trussell 10/
One Small Curtain rod & tester 7/6
One Oval table 10/		1..7..0
1 pr Dogs & 2 trevits £1
three rake heads 10/
three Gun barrils, 1 Stock 10/		2..0..0
1 Gun 10/ One close Stool pan 2/6
13 li wrought Iron 6/6
One horse £5		5..19..0
6 Screw plates & pr clams £3.8
two tumbler tools, 2 pair borers
pr Cyphering tongs hand Vice		4..18..0
10 Smooth files 10/
A pcell old files, punches, shairs &c. 1-5-2
twenty Seven new files		2..6..8
1 tinder box & powder trier 9/9
two long shank bills
1 Draw bore 7/6		0..17..3
1 hold fast 1 horse & 2 hammers 5/
A pcell old Gouges & formers ¾		0..8..4
A pcell plains 1 Spoke Shave 6/10
A pcell Small Iron, brass & other Rubbish 10/		0..16..10
1 Spit & old Jack 4/ One old Chest & box 8/
One old Vice Wt 50 li	£1.5	1..12..0
7 pr Smiths Tongs 14/ One poker 1 ladle 1 Slice 3/9
One ladle flesh fork & Skimmer 6/		1..3..9
1 Shovell & tongs 4/ four Bolesters 6 Cole Chiswells
5/ two hammers & 1 Sledge 10/		0..19..0
10
1 half bushhell 4/ twenty Nine melting pots 4/10
One Smiths bellows & nose piece 27/6		1..16..4
1 large Wheel for Razor Grinding, 2 Stones for Do Spindles &c		1..5..0
1 Grindstone & frame, 1 large Do	£1
One Anvill wtt 1 cwt 3 qrs 13 li	£2..1..3
1 beck Iron 15/		3..16..3
A pcell of Smiths files 5/ four Curtain Rods	£1..7
One Chain & Castor 10/		2..2..0
A pcell Small Iron 10/ One pail & 4 old tubs 5/
five old Chairs 5/ three bags 9/		1..9..0
1 Jarr 1 Earthen & 2 Stone pots 10/
One Dripping pan 5/ two Narrow Axes 1/3		0..16..3
13 li wrought Iron 8/1 ½
To a Ladle & parcell Rubbish 5/
two bushels hair 2/		0..15..1 ½
1 Stone Jug & 4 Candle Moulds 3/
A pcell of Fooder 2/6
A pcell rubbish Iron 5/		0..10..6
2 Glew pots 2/
A pestle & wooden mortar 7/6
One pr Gardens Sheers 3/		0..12..6
1 Dung fork 5/
twenty one Ounces old Silver 5/	£5..5..0
One pr old money Scales 7/6		5..17..6
112 bushell Seal [Sea] Coal at 12d	£5..12
One hand Saw 2/
One fender & tongs 7/6		6..1..6
		£90..0..1

Thomas Barber
Eliza Brush Exrs

11

Jany 14th 1726 In obedience to an order of York County dated Decr 19th 1726 Wee the Subscribers have appraised all the Estate of John Brush deced amounting to Ninety pounds & One penny Currtt money.

Samuel Cobbs, Richard King, James Sheilds.

At a Court held for York County Feby 20th 1726
This Inventory & Appraisemt. of the Estate of John Brush deced was presented in Court and admitted to record

Test Phi Lightfoot Cl Cur⁵

In February of 1727 Elizabeth Brush, according to a provision in her father's will, sold her share of the houses and lots in Williamsburg formerly owned by Brush to her brother-in-law, Thomas Barbar:

This Indenture made the Second day of February in the year of our Lord 1726 Between Elizabeth Brush of the City of Wmsburgh, Spinster of the one part and Thomas Barbar of the Same City Carpenter of the other part Witnesseth that the said Elizabeth Brush for and in Consideration of the Sum of Eighty pounds Current money to her in hand paid by the said Thomas Barbar at and before the Sealing and delivery of these presents the receipt whereof she doth hereby acknowledge hath Granted bargained and Sold Aliened and Confirmed And by these presents doth Grant bargain and Sell Alien and confirm unto the said Thomas Barbar his heirs assigns for ever all her share of the Messuage or tenement scituate lying and being on the north side of the City of Wmsburgh wherein John Brush her father deceased lately dwelt and all Edefices Buildings Goods Tools Yards 12 Garden ways, waters, profits, emoluments, Commodities, Advantages and Appurtences whatsoever to the said Messuage belonging or in any wise appertaining And also those two Lotts containing one acre of ground mark'd in the platt of the said City with the figures 165. 166. to the said Messuage belonging and held and enjoy'd with the same which said two lotts were convey'd by John Clayton and William Robertson Trustees for the land appropriated for the building and erecting the said City of Williamsburgh by their certain Indenture bearing date the eighth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventeen And also the Reversion and Reversions Remainder and Remainders of the said premisses and every part thereof and all the Estate Right, Title, Interest, Claim and Demand whatsoever of her the said Elizabeth Brush of in & to the said Messuage or Tenement and premisses and every part thereof To Have & To Hold the said Messuage or Tenement and all and singular the said premisses above mentioned and every part and parcel thereof with the appurtenances unto the said Thomas Barbar his heirs and assigns to the only property use and behoof of him the said Thomas Barbar his heirs and assigns for ever And the said Elizabeth Brush for herself and her heirs the said Messuage or Tenement and premisses and every part thereof against her and her heirs against all and every other person and persons whatsoever to the said Thomas Barber his heirs and assigns shall and will warrant and for ever defend by these presents And the said Elizabeth Brush for her self her heirs executors and administrators doth grant, Covenant and agree to and with the said Thomas Barber his heirs and assigns in manner and form following that is to say That she the said Elizabeth Brush at the time of sealing and delivery of these present hath full power and lawfull authority to sell and convey all and singular the premisses to the said Thomas Barber intent & meaning of these presents And that the said Thomas Barber his heirs and assigns shall and may for ever hereafter peaceably and quietly have hold possess and enjoy all and singular the said bargained premisses and every part and parcel thereof without any suit disturbance or molestation of the said Elizabeth Brush her heirs or assigns or any other person or persons whatsoever having or lawfully claiming any Estate, Right Title or Interest 13 whatsoever of in or to the same and that the said bargain'd premisses and every part and parcel thereof shall be and remain unto the said Thomas Barber his heirs and assigns for ever freed and discharg'd of and from all former and other Grants, Bargains, Sales, Mortgages, Bonds, Judments & Incumbrances whatsoever In Witness whereof the said parties have hereunto interchangeably set their hands and affix'd their Seals the day and year abovewritten

Thomas Barbar Seal Elizabeth Brush Seal

Sealed and Delivered
in presence of us
Stephen Dewey
Richard Pritchard
Tho. Walker
Wm Case

At a Court held for York County the 15th day of May 1727 Eliza. Brush in open Court presented & acknowledged the above deed for Land to Thomas Barbar wch on this mocen is admitted to Record.

Test Phi Lightfoot Cek

I the within named Eliza Brush do herby acknowledge to have received the Sum of Eighty pounds Currt money of Virga: the consideracon within menconed for the house & lott &c within contained as witness my hand & Seal this 2d day of Febry. in the year of our Lord 1726

At a Court held for York County May the 15th 1727 Eliza Brush in open Court acknowledged the above receipt wh is ordered to be recorded

Test Phi Lightfoot⁶

Barbar and his wife Susanna probably moved into the house soon after the sale. Thomas Barbar, who identified himself as 14 a carpenter in his will, only lived several months after taking possession of the house and lots - dying in May. His will was recorded May 15, 1727:

In The Name of God Amen I Thomas Barbar of the City of Williamsburg Carpenter being very Sick in body but of perfect & Sound mind and memory Do make this my last Will & testament in manner & form following First I commend my Soul unto Almighty God trusting in his infinite mercy for forgiveness of my Sins thro' the merits of Jesus Christ my Saviour And my body to the Earth to be decently interred at the discretion of my Executrix hereafter named And as touching such worldly Estate as God in his mercy hath bestowed upon me I Give devise and dispose thereof in manner following Item whereas I am possessed in fee of Certain lands and tenements in the County of York And whereas my Wife is now Ensient of a Child the which if it prove to be a Son my Will is and I do hereby Give devise and bequeath unto Such my Son and to his heirs for Ever All my said Lands and tenements (Exclusive of All my Lots and Houses in Wmsburgh which are not intended in this bequest) But in Case that Child prove to be a Daughter Then I give the said Lands and tenements to be Equally divided in Value (Respect being had to the Improvements) between such my Daughter and my Daughter Judith now living and their heirs for Ever Item my Will is and I do hereby Order and direct that as soone as conveniently may be after my decease My Lots and houses in Wmsburgh be Sold by my Exrix to the best Advantage And that the Produce thereof be applied to the payment of my Just debts & funeral Expenses, and to my Personal Estate Item I Give and bequeath unto my loving Wife Susanna Barbar All my Negroes Cattle Household Goods and personal Estate shall descend unto such Child or Children of mine as shall be then living and their heirs or legal Representatives And I do hereby Constitute and appoint my said Wife Susanna Barbar Sole Execturix of this my last Will and testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this tenth day of May in the year of our Lord Christ 1727
15 Thos Barbar Seal

Signed Sealed published & declared to be the last Will & testament of the said Thomas Barbar

presence of us
Archibald Blair, Thos: Walker, David Foe[se]

At a Court held for York County May 15th 1727

This Will and Testament of Thomas Barbar deced was presented in Court by Susa [torn]

Made Oath to it and being proved by all the [torn]

Phi Lightfoot Cl Cur⁷

From Barbar's will we know that in addition to his house and lots in Williamsburg he owned lands and tenements in York County to which improvements had been made.

An inventory of Thomas Barbar's personal estate was recorded in York County Court July 27, 1727. A number of items in this inventory correspond to items in the inventory of John Brush:

An inventory of the Goods belonging to the Estate of Thomas Barbar of the City of Wmsburgh deced appraised by us Richard King John Hansford and Robert Peters pursuant to an Order of York County Court dated May 15th 1727 who were Sworn before John Blair Esqr one of his Majestys Justices of the peace on the 30th day of May in the year aforesaid

1 New feather bed bolster pillows & bedsted	£4
1 old bed 1 Rug 2 pr. Sheets & 2 pillows £2. four old beds & some old furniture	£5..7
16
3 Looking Glasses 35/ A parcell of Nails £6 A tea table & Chest of drawers	£3.10
A brass Warming pan Do Shovell & fire tongs 20/ A Chest of Carpenters tools	£6..8..3
3 turners Chiswells & 3 Gouges 7/6 1 Sword & belt 5/ one folding table 15/
1 Desk & trussell 20/ A clock £6.10 A fallen table 10/ A pr. dogs & 2 trevits 20/
2 box Irons & heaters & Some old brass 20/ two Iron pot, 1 brass Do. & 2 brass Skilletts 21/
2 ladles, 2 flew forks & 1 Skimmer 10/ 55 lb. pewter	£1.14.4
1 Corner Cupboard, 2 Gird Irons, 1 Spit, 1 frying pan, 1 dripping pan, 6 Skuers, 1 pr. firetongs & shovl	£1..2..6
1 pr. pothooks, 1 Iron pestle 5/. two Jars 1 Side Saddle 26/6. 1 Seal bushll. & ½ bushell. 6/
A pcell of white lead & some Nails 10/ two Cloaths brushes and 2 Sackbags 6/
The blackSmiths tools £8 A Large Razor Wheel & 2 Stone Do 12/
A pr. of Dogs 12/ A large Grind Stone frame & Iron Spindles 15/
29 Melting pots 4/10 A Spade & parcell of old Iron 16/
1 Horse Saddle & housing £6.17 A pcell of old Brass	£6..9
A pcell of old Copper 45/ Cast brass 9/17 7 bushlls Sea Coal	£3.17
A pr. large money Scales & Weights 10/ A pcell of table linen 14/
2 Water pails 3/6. 2 Casks 8/ A pcell of old Lumber 20/
8 Cows & 7 Calfs at 30/ £12 two Oxen 1 Cart 2 Yoaks & 1 Chain	£5.10
5 Young Steers £4 One Steer 30/ four 2 year old heifers £3 two Yearlings 20/
5 head of Sheep 25/ 12 head of hogs £3 15 head of Shoats 18/9
A cross Cut Saw & 3 Wedges 20/ A Gun 27/6 A Saddle 7/6
1 old feather bed two old blanketts 1 Sheet & 1 bedsted	£2..5
1 Negroman called Tom £30 one Do. Woman & 2 Children £45 One do. Girl	£18
A pcell of Earthen Ware 2 Spits pot & pan 21/ One Mare & Colt & 2 pails 29/
3 broad Axes & old Vice 10/ A Bull 15/ An old Sword 2/ two Wine pipes 10/
1 Corner Cupboard 4/ A pcell of old Lumber 12/
____________
	£216..9..2 ½

Susanna Barbar Extrix

17

Richd King, Jn. Hansford, Robert Peters

At a Court held for York County July 17th 1727
This Inventory & Appraisemt. of the Estate of Thomas Barbar deced was presented in Court and admitted to record

Test Phi Lightfoot C. Cur.⁸

Recorded July 17, 1727

Susanna Brush Barbar, following a provision in her husband's will, sold the house and lots in Williamsburg to Mrs. Elizabeth Russell of York County in 1728:

This Indenture Made the thirteenth day of November in the Second Year of the Regn of our Sovereign Lord George the Second by the Grace of God of Great Brittain France & Ireland King Defender the faith &c and in the Year of Our Lord Christ One thousand Seven hundred Twenty Eight Between Susanna Barbar Widow Executrix of the last Will and Testament of Thomas Barbar late of York County Deceased of the One part and Elizabeth Russell of the said County of York Widdow of the Other part Witnesseth that the Said Susanna Barber in pursuance of the Directions of the Said Thomas Barbar in his Testament Afforesaid Containd and by Vertue of the power and Authority thereby given her and also for and in Consideration of the Sum of five Shillings of good and lawfull Money to her the Said Susanna Barbar by the Said and Delivery of these presents and Receipt Whereof She doth hereby Acknowledge Hath bargained and Sold and by these presents doth bargain an Sale Unto the Said Elizabeth Russel her Execurs. Admrs. and Assignes all those two lotts of Ground Scituate on the East Side of Pallace Street in the City of Wmsburgh next Adjacent to the Governours house and are Numbred in the plan of the Said Citty by these 18 figures 165, 166 being the lotts lately held and possessed by John Brush (father of the Said Susanna) deceased and by him the said John Brush by his last Will and Testament devised in Fee Equally to and between the said Thomas Barber and Elizabeth Brush which Said Elizabeth Brush hath since Sold and Conveyed her Moiety thereof thereof Unto the Said Thomas Barber in Fee as by the Said Several Will Deeds & other the Writeings and Evidences thereof (Relation being thereunto had) may more fully Appear With all houses Edifices buildings Yards Gardens Ways priviledges profits Commodities Emoluments and Advantages on or Unto the Said Two Lotts being or of Right belonging or in any wise Appertaining or therewith Used Occupied or Enjoyed or Accepted Reputed or taken as Part Parcell of Member thereof And the Reversion and Reversions Remainder and Remainders Rents Issues and Profits of all and Singular the primisses and Every part and parcell thereof To Have And To Hold the Said two lotts of Ground and also all and Singular Other the above bargained premisses with their and Every of their Appurtenances Unto the Said Elizabeth Russel her Execurs. Admrs. and Assignes from the day next before the day of the date of these presents Unto the full End and Term of one Whole Year from thence Next Ensuing and fully to be Compleat and Ended Yielding and Paying therefore Unto the Said Susanna Barbar her heirs or Assignes the Rent of one Pepper Corn upon the feast day of St. Michael the Arch Angelo now next Coming (if lawfully demanded & no more, To The Intent And purpose that by Vertue of these presents and of the Statute for Transferring Uses into possession She the Said Elizabeth Russel may be in Actual possession of the Said premisses and be thereby Enables to Accept and take A Grant and Release of the Reversion and Inheritance thereof to her and her Heirs for Ever by Indenture Intended to be made between the Said Susanna Barber of the one part and the Said Elizabeth Russell of the other part and to bear date the day next after the day of the date of these presents In Witness Whereof the said Susanna Barbar her hand and Seal to these presents hath Set the day and Year first Above Written
Susanna Barber

Sealed and Delivered in presence of
Margaret Fry
Richard Booker
Joseph Davenport

19

At a Court held for York County Novr. 18th. 1728

Susanna Barbar presented and Acknowledged this her deed of lease For land lying in Wmsburgh in this County to Elizabeth Russel at whose Motion the said deed of lease was Admitted to Record

Test Phi Lightfoot Cl Cur.

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This Indenture Made the fourteenth day of November in the Second Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Second by the Grace of God of Great Brittain France and Ireland King Defender of the faith &c and in the Year of our Lord Christ One Thousand Seven Hundred Twenty Eight Between Suanna Barber Widdow Executrix of the last Will and Testament of Thomas Barber late of York County Deceased of the one part and Elizabeth Russel of the Said County of York Widdow of the other part Witnesseth that Whereas the Said Elizabeth Russel by one Certain Indention of Bargain of these presents to her the Said Elizabeth by the Said Susanna made is in Actual possession of the Estate herein after Granted to the Intent that by Vertue thereof and of the Statute for Transferring Uses into possession she the said Elizabeth might be Enabled to take And Accept A Release of the Reversion and Inheritance thereof to her and her heirs for Ever The said Susanna Barbar in pursuance of the Directions of the Said Thomas Barbar in his Testament Afforesaid Contain'd and by Vertue of the power and Authority thereby given her and also for and in Consideration of the Sum of One Hundred pounds of Good Current Money of Virginia to her the said Susanna Barbar by the Said Elizabeth Russell in hand Will and Truly paid the Receipt Whereof and herself therewith fully Satisfied and paid She doth hereby Acknowledge and thereof and of Every part and parcel thereof doth Clearly Acquit Exonorate and Discharge the Said Elizabeth Russel her Execurs & Admrs by 20 these presents Hath granted Bargained Sold Remised Released & Confirmed and by these Presents doth fully clearly And Absolutely grant bargain Sell demise Release & Confirm Unto the Said Elizabeth Russel and to her heirs and Assigns for Ever All those two Lotts of ground Scituate on the East Side of Pallace Street in the City of Williamsburg Next adjacent to the Governors house and are Numbred in the plan of the Said City by these figures 165. 166 being the Lotts Lately held & possessed by John Brush (father of the Said Susanna) deceased and by him the Said John Brush by his last Will and Testament devised in Fe Equally to and between the said Thomas Barbar and Elizabeth Brush Which said Elizabeth Brush hath since Sold & Conveyed her Moiety hereof Unto the Said Thomas barber in Fee as by the Several Wills Deeds & other the Writeings and Evidences thereof (Relation being thereunto had) May more fully Appear With All Houses Edifices buildings Yards Gardens Ways priviledges profits Commodities Emoluments and Advantages on or Unto the Said Two Lotts being or of Right belonging or in any Wise appertaining or therewith Used Occupied or Enjoyed or Accepted Reputed or Taken as part parcell of Member thereof and the Reversion & Reversions Remainder and Remainders Rents Issues and profits of all and Singular the premisses and Every part and parcel thereof And Also all the Estate Right Title Interest Claim and Demand Whatsoever Which the said Thoams Barber in his life time and at the time of Making his Testament Afforesaid had held or Enjoyed of in to or out of the same premisses in any wise howsoever Together with all Deeds Writeings and other Evidences touching or any ways Concerning the Same premisses or any part or parcel thereof To Have And To Hold the Said Two lotts Above Described and also all and Singular other the Above granted Premisses with their and Every of their Appurtenances Unto the Said Elizabeth Russel her heirs and Assigns to the only proper Use and behoof of her the Said Elizabeth Russel her heirs and Assigns for Ever And the Said Susanna Barber for her Self her heirs Execurs and Assignes Doth Covenant Promise And Agree to and With the Said Elizabeth Russel her heirs and Assigns and Every of them by these presents in Manner and form following that is to Say That Shee the said Susanna Barber by Vertue of the power and Authority to her given by the Testament of the Said Thomas Barber her 21 late husband Decd. hath full power and Lawfull Authority to Sell Convey Confirm and Assure all and Singular the Above bargained or Mentioned or Intended to be hereby bargained premisses and every part and parcel thereof With the Appurtenances Unto the Said Elizabeth Russel her heirs and Assigns for Ever in Manner as is herein before Expressed And that shee the said Elizabeth Russel her heirs and Assigns and Every of them Shall or Lawfully may from time to time and at all times for ever hereafter by Vertue hereof Peaceably And Quietly Have Use Possess An Enjoy all and Singular the premisses herein before Mentioned or Intended to be hereby Released and Every part thereof without any lawfull lett Suit Trouble denial Eviction Ejection or other Molestation Whatsoever of or by the Said Susanna Barber her heirs or Assigns or any Person or Persons Claiming or to Claim any Estate Right Title or Intrest of in to or out of the Same Premisses or any part thereof by from or Under her them or any of them or of or by any person or persons Whatsoever Claiming Under the Said Thomas Barber And That free and clear and freely and Clearly Acquited Exonorated and Discharged of and from all and all Manner of former and Other gifts Grants bargains Sales Leases Mortgages Titles Dowers Intails Feeoffments Judgments Extents Executions forfeitrues or other Incumbrances Whatsoever hertofore had made Committed done Executed or Suffered by the Said Thomas Barber in his life time or Caused or procured by the Said Susanna Barber by Vertue of her power of Execturix of the Testament Afforesaid to be made Committed had done Executed or Suffered in any Wise howsoever And Further that She the Said Susanna Barber her heirs Execurs. And Assigns and Every other person and persons Claiming any Estate Right Title or Interest of in to or out of the premisses Shall and will from time to time and at all times hereafter within the Space of Seen Years Next hence Ensuing at the Reasonable Request Cost and Charges in the Law of the Said Elizabeth Russel her heirs or Assigns Make do and Execute all Such further and Other Reasonable Act and Acts Devises Conveyances and Assurrances in the Law Whatsoever for the further better and more perfect Assurance Surety Sure making and Conveying of all and Singular the Above bargained premisses unto the Said Elizabeth Russell her heirs and Assigns for Ever According 22 to the true intent and Meaning of these presents as by her the said Elizabeth Russel her heirs or Assigns her or their Council Learned in the law Shall be Reasonabley Advised devised or Required or Required Lastly the Said Susanna Barber her heirs and Assigns and Above granted Premisses and Every part thereof with the Appurtenances Unto the said Elizabeth Russell her heirs and Assigns Against the Claim of her the said Susanna Barber her heirs and Assigns and also of all other persons Whatsoever Shall and Will Warrant and for Ever Defend by these presents In Witness Whereof the Said Susanna Barber her hand and Seal to these presents hath Set the day and Year first Above Written
Susann Barber seal

Sealed and Delivered in presence of
Margaret Fry
Richd. Booker
Josep Davenport

At a Court held for York County Novr. 18th. 1728 Susannah Barber (Wife of Thomas Barbar Decd.) presented and Acknowleg'd this her Deed of Release (with Receipt thereon) For land lying in Wmsburgh. in this County to Eliazabeth Russel at Whose Mocon the said Deed of Release
are Admitted to Record

Test Phillightfoot Cl Cur

Nover the 14th 1728 Then Recd of Ms. Elizabeth Russel the sum of one hund. pounds Currt Money being the Consideration for the Lotts and Premisses Within Mentioned Wits's Margret Fry Richd. Booker Jo: Davenport, I Say Recd. by me Susanna Barbar⁹

The property was described by location, lot numbers, and former owners. The widow Elizabeth Russell has not been identified though it has been suggested that she was the former 23 Elizabeth Brush (sister of Mrs. Barbar). If this is true then she was married and widowed between February 2, 1727 (when Elizabeth Brush, spinster, sold her share in the property to Thomas Barbar), and November 13, 1728 (when Elizabeth Russell, widow, acquired the property). However, it should be noted that though the deed clearly identifies Susanna as the daughter of John Brush, no relationship between Elizabeth Russell and Susanna Barbar or John Brush is stated or implied.

In August 1742 Henry Cary II and his wife Elizabeth conveyed Lots 165 and 166 to William Dering by a deed recorded in the General Court. That Elizabeth Cary was formerly Elizabeth Russell is suggested by the clause in Henry Cary's will (dated May 27, 1748) ordering the executor to pay Elizabeth Cary £220 "in Consideration for the like Sum by me heretofore received for the Sale of her House in the City of Williamsburgh."¹⁰ Reference to the conveyance of Lots 165 and 166 from Cary and his wife to Dering in 1742 is made in a mortgage given by Dering to Bernard Moore of King William County and Peter Hay of Williamsburg in May 1744 to secure a debt of £400 to William Prentis: 24

This Indenture made the thirteenth day of May in the Seventeenth Year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Second King of Great Britain &c And in the Year of our Lord Christ One Thousand Seven hundred & forty four Between William Dering of the City of Wmsburgh Dancing Master of the one part and Bernard Moore of the County of King William Gent and Peter Hay of the City of Williamsburgh aforesd. Practicer in Physic of the other part Whereas the said Bernard Moore and Peter Hay at the Special request of the said William have become jointly & Severally bound with him in a bond to William Prentis of the said City Mercht. in the penalty of four hundred pounds Currt. mony Condition'd for the payment of Two hundred pounds of like Mony with Interest for the same on the Eleventh day of May in the Year of Our Lord 1745 which bond bears date the Eleventh day of May in the Year of our Lord 1744. Now This Indenture Witnesseth That the said William Dering for & in Consideration of The Sum of five Shillings to him in hand paid by the said Bernard Moore & Peter Hay the receipt whereof he doth hereby acknowledge and also for Indempnifying the said Bernard Moore & Peter Hay from any damage loss or changes which may happen or Accrue to them their Heirs Extors or Admors for or by occasion of this being his Securities as aforesaid Hath granted bargain'd Sold Alien'd released enfeoffed and confirm'd And by these present Doth grant bargain Sell alien release enfeoff and confirm unto the said Bernard Moore & Peter Hay their Heirs and Assigns forever all those two Lotts of Ground Situate lying and being on the East side of Pallace Street in the City of Williamsburgh aforesaid adjacent to the Governors House denoted in the Plan of the said City by the figures 165 & 166 which the said Wm Dering purchased of Henry Cary of Henrico County Gent and Elizabeth his wife by Deeds of Lease & release bearing date the Eighteenth & Nineteenth days of August in the Year 1742 recorded in the General Court of this Colony relation being thereunto had more fully may appear and all Houses outhouses Edifices Buildings Yards Gardens Orchards Woods Underwoods Trees ways Water profits Commodities Hereditaments and appurtenances whatsoever to the said Lotts of Ground belonging or in any wise appertaining and reversion & reversions remainder & remanders rents Issues & profits thereof and of every part thereof and all the Estate right Title Interest property Claim and Demand of him the said William Dering of in & to the Same 25 To Have & To Hold the said Lotts of Ground & premisses with the appurtenances unto the said Bernard Moore & Peter Hay their Heirs and assigns To the only proper use and behoof of them the said Bernard Moore & Peter Hay their Heirs & assigns for ever And This Indenture Further Witnesseth that the said William Dering for the Considerations aforesd. hath granted bargain'd & Sold and by these presents Doth grant bargain & Sell unto the said Bernard Moore & Peter Hay their Hiers Extors & Admors all those Several Negro Male & Female Slaves Household Goods & personal Estate particularly named mention'd & described in a Schedule hereunto Annex'd Together with the future Increase of the said Female Slaves and all the Estate right Title Interest whatsoever of him the said William Dering of in & to the said Slaves and personal Estate every or any of them To Have & To Hold the said Slaves and personal Estate unto the said Bernard Moore & Peter Hay their Heirs Extors Admors and Assigns To the only use and behoof of them the said Bernard Moore & Peter Hay their Heirs Extors Admors and Assigns for ever Provided Nevertheless that if the said William Dering his heirs Extors and Admos shall will and truly pay unto the said William Prentis the said Sum of Two hundred pounds together with the interest thereonto grow due and shall will & truly Save harmless & indempnity the sd. Barnard Moore & Peter Hay their Heirs Extors & Admors from any Damages Costs and charges wch. may happen or Accrue to them any or either of them for or by reason of their being Securitys for the said Wm. Dering unto the said William Prentis in the bond aforesaid That then this present Indenture and every thing therein Contain'd shall cease determine and become absolutely void as if the same had never been made and the said Wm. Dering for himself his Heirs Extors and Admors doth Covenant promise & agreed to & with the said Bernard Moore & Peter Hay their Heirs Extors Admors and Assigns by these presents in manner & form following that is to say That he the said Wm. Dering his Heirs Extors and Admors shall & will from time to time and at all times for ever hereafter will & truly save harmless and indempnify the said Bernard Moore & Peter Hay their Heirs Extors & Admors from any Damages Costs & Charges which may Accrue to them any or either of them for or by reason of their being Securities for the said William Dering unto the said William Prentis in the bond aforesd. and that it shall and may be lawfull 26 to and for the said Bernard Moore and Peter Hay their Heirs Extors Admors & Assigns as soon as breach or default shall be made in the proviso or Condition aforesaid into the said House & Lotts with the appurtenances to enter and the Slaves and personal Estate aforesd. into their possession to take and the same to have hold and enjoy as their own proper House and Lotts Slaves and personal Estate for ever and that he the said Wm. Dering at the time of the Ensealing & delivery of these present hath good right full power and lawfull authority to sell & convey the herein before bargain'd premises with the appurtenances unto the sd. Bernard Moore & Peter Hay their Heirs Extors Admors & assigns forever in Manner & form aforesaid and that he the said Wm. Dering his Heirs Extors & Admors shall and will of any time hereafter upon the reasonable request of the said Bernard Moore and Peter Hay make execute & acknowledge or Cause to be made executed and acknowledged any further or other Lawfull and reasonable Conveyance or assurance in the Law for the further better & more perfect conveying & assuring the sd. Lotts & premises Slaves & personal Estate unto the said Bernard Moore & Peter Hay their Heirs &c after default shall be made as aforesd. And Lastly it is Covenanted and agreed by and between the parties to these presents That until default shall be made in the proviso or Condition aforesd. It shall and may be lawfull to & for the said Wm. Dering his Heirs Extors Admors and Assigns peaceably & quietly to have hold use Occupy possess & enjoy all & singular the before mention'd premises with the appurtenances without the set Molestation or Disturbance of the said Bernard Moore & Peter Hay their Heirs Extors Admors or assigns or either of them In Witness whereof the parties to these presents their hand & Seal interchangeably have set the day & Year first within written.

Sealed & deliver'd in presence of
W Dering Seal
Bernard Moore Seal
Pet. Hay Seal
St. Lawe. Berford
Frances Webb
Hannah Swan

Majr. Bernard Moore sign'd this Indenture in the present of Us
27 Thos. Moore
Geo. Pitt.

The Schedule to which the annex'd Indenture refers A Negro Man Named Sophy, a Negro woman named Phebe, her child named Jimmy, a Negro Woman named Chloe, a Chariot and one pr. horses & harness a Shaise with a pr. horses & harness a chair without a carriage.

In the House
3 Beds with Bedsteds & Curtains, feather Beds Bolsters pillows &c 2 Bedsteds &c and feather Beds &c but no curtains. 6 Leather chairs and a Couch 6 do. one Elbow Chair. 6 Chairs with walnut backs & rush bottoms. One Black walnut Desk & book Case. 1 Walnut Chest of Drawers one large walnut Table on Do. small 1 large DO. 1 Sconce looking Glass 1 Dresing Glass 2 Dressing Tables 8 pictures in Guilt frames 9 Do. in black frames 10 Do. without frames 2 Tea Tables with their furniture 2 Common Tables ½ doz. china plates 2 Slavers 1.2 Gallon china Bowl 1 Gallon Do. 2 Small Do.

In the Kitchen.
1 large brass Kettle 1 brass Skillet 1 Spitt 2 Iron potts 1 Dutch oven 1 warming pan 2 frying pans 2 Grid Irons 2 Skimmers 2 Ladles 2 flesh forks 3 doz. pewter plates 10 pewter Dishes 1 Copper Coffee pot 1 Tea Kettle Do. 1 brass coffee pott 3 doz. patty pans 2 Coffee Mills 9 pr. brass Candle Sticks 1 fish Kettle 1 riding horse Saddle & bridle & housing.

At a Court held for York County August 20th. 1744. This deed of Mortgage together with the Schedule annex'd were this day psnted in Court and the said Wm. Dering in his proper person came and acknowledged the same to be his Act & deed and it was order'd to be recorded.

Exa.
Test Matt: Hubard Cl Cur.¹¹

28

In May 1745 Philip Lightfoot of Yorktown assumed the mortgage on Dering's property:

Received May 4th 1745 from Philip Lightfoot Esqr the Sum of Two hundred and Ten pounds Currt mony it being the principal Mony & Interest thereon within mention'd due from Wm. Dering on this Mortgage We do therefore hereby release all our right Title & Interest therein to the sd Philip Lightfoot and his Heirs Witness our hands & Seals the day & Year above.

Sealed & deliver'd in the presence of Peter Hay

At a Court held for York County May 20th 1745 Peter Hay this day in Court acknowledged this Receipt & assigned to Philip Lightfoot Esqr at whose Motion the same was Order'd to be recorded.

Exam
Test
Matt. Hubard Cl Cur

-----------------------------------------------------------------

This Indenture made the Eleventh day of May in the Eighteenth Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Second King of Great Britain &c and in the Year of our Lord Christ One Thousand Seven hundred and forty five Between William Dering of the City of Wmsburgh Dancing Master of the one part and Philip Lightfoot of the Town & County of York Esqr. of the other part Witnesseth that the said Wm. Dering for and in Consideration of the Sum of Two hundred Eighty Six pounds fifteen Shillings Currt. mony to him in hand paid by the said Philip Lightfoot the Receipt whereof he doth hereby acknowledge and thereof acquit & discharge the said Philip Lightfoot his Heirs Extors & Admors Hath granted Bargain'd Sold alien'd enfeoff'd & confirm'd and by these presents doth Grant bargain sell alien enfeoff and Confirm unto the said Philip Lightfoot his Heirs & assigns for ever all those two Lotts of Groud Situate lying and being on the East side of Pallace Street in the City of Wmsburgh. aforesd. adjacent to the Governors 29 house and denoted in the plan of the sd. City by the Figures 165 & 166 which the said Wm. Dering purchased of Henry Cary of Henrico County Gent & Elizebeth his Wife by deeds of Lease and Release bearing date the Eighteenth & Nineteenth days of August in the Year 1742 recorded in the General Court of this Colony relation being thereunto had more fully may appear And all Houses [Outhouses?] Edifices Buildings Yard Gardens Orchards Woods Underwoods Trees Ways Waters profits Commodities Hereditaments and Appurtenances whatsoever to the said Lotts of Ground belonging or in any wise appertaining and the Reversion & Reversions Remainder & Remainders Rents Issues & profits thereof and of every part thereof and all the Estate Right Title Interest property claim & demand of him the said Wm. Dering of in and to the same To Have and to Hold the said Lotts of Ground & premises unto the said Philip Lightfoot his Heirs & assigns To the only proper use and behoof of the said Philip Lightfoot his Heirs and assigns for ever And this Indenture further Witnesseth that the said Wm. Dering for the Consideration aforesd. hath granted bargain'd & Sold and by these presents Doth grant bargain & Sell unto the said Philip Lightfoot his Heirs Extors & Admors all those Several Negro Male & Female Slaves House hold Goods & personal Estate particularly named mention'd & described in a Schedule hereunto annex'd together with the future Increase of the said female Slaves and all the Estate Right Title & Interest whatsoever of him the said Wm. Dering of in and to the said Slaves & personal Estate every or any of them To have & to hold the Slaves & personl Estate and the future Increase of the said female Slaves unto the said Philip Lightfoot his Heirs Extors Admors & Assigns To the only proper use and behoof of him the sd. Philip Lightfoot his Heirs Extors Admors & Assigns for ever provided always and upon this Condition that if the said Wm. Dering his Heirs Extors and Admors or Assigns at the Dwelling house of the said Philip Lightfoot at the Town of York aforesd. the Sum of Two hundred Eighty Six pounds fifteen Shillings Currt. mony together with lawfull Interest thereupon to be computed from this day at or upon the Eleventh day of May which will be in the Year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred forty & Six without fraud covin or further delay that then and from thence forth this present Indenture and every thing 30 therein Contin'd shall Cease determine & be Utterly Void to all Intents & purposes and the sd. Wm. Dering for himself his Heirs Exotrs & Admors doth hereby Covenant & grant to and with the said Philip Lightfoot his Extors Admors & Assigns in Manner and form following (that is to say that he the said William Dering his heirs Extors & Admors shall will & truly pay or Cause to be paid unto the said Philip Lightfoot his heirs Extors Admors or Assigns the aforesd. two hundred [Eighty S]ix pounds fifteen Shillings Currt. mony & Interest in the said Pro[vi]so mention'd at the time & place therein limitted & expressed without fraud or delay And that he the said Wm. Dering hath at The ensealing & deliver of these present good Right full power & Lawfull Authority to grant bargain & Sell all & Singular the said [?] premises with their Appurtenacnes and every part thereof unto the said Philip Lightfoot his heirs &c according to the true Intent & meaning of these presents And that he the said Wm. Dering hath not made any former or other Estate grant Charge or Incumbrance of in or out of the said premises or any part thereof before the ensealing & delivery of these presents And also that if at any time hereafter default of payment shall be made of the principal Sum & Interest aforesd. at the time & place herein before limitted for payment thereof That then the sd. Philip Lightfoot his heirs &c Into the said House & Lotts with the appurts. to enter and the Slaves & personal Estate aforesd. into his possession to take and the same to have hold & enjoy as his own proper House and Lotts Slaves & personal Estate for ever and that the sd. Wm. Dering his heirs Extors & Admors shall & will at any time hereafter upon the reasonable request of the said Philip Lightfoot make execute & acknowledge or cause to be made executed & acknowledged any further or other lawfull & reasonable Conveyance or assurance in the Law for the further better & more perfect Conveying & assuring the said Lotts & premises Slaves & personal Estate unto the said Philip Lightfoot his heirs &c after default shall be made as aforesd. And lastly it is Covenanted and agreed by & between the parties to these presents that until default shall be made in the proviso or Condition aforesd. it shall & may be lawfull to & for the said Wm. Dering his heirs Extors Admors & Assigns peaceably & Quietly to have hold use Occupy possess & enjoy all & Singular the before mention'd premises with the Appurtenances without the Set Molestation 31 or disturbance of the said Philip Lightfoot his Extors Admors or Assigns or any of them in Witness whereof the parties to these presents their hands and Seals interchangeably have Set the day & Year first above written

Sealed & deliver'd in the presence of
W Dering
Phi: Lightfoot

Edmd. Tabb
John Lightfoot
Kendal Harmanson

Received May the 11th. 1745 from Philip Lightfoot Esqr. the Sum of Two hundred Eighty Six pounds fifteen Shillings Currt. mony it being the consideration within mention'd.
W. Dering.

Witness
Edmd. Tabb
John Lightfoot
Kendal Harmanson

The Schedule to wch. the annex'd Indenture refers

A Negro Man Named Soffee abt. 25 yrs old A Negro woman Phebe 15 a Negro boy Jemmy 3. a Negro woman Chloe 14. one Chariot with two horses & harness a Shaise with two horses 7 harness a Body of a Chair lined with blue Cloth a riding horse Saddle Bridle & housing 3 Bedsteds with Curtains feather Bed Bolsters pillows Counterpanes & 2 Bedsteds and feather Beds &c no Curtains 12 Rushia leather chairs a Couch, Chair and Elboe Chair 6 Chairs wth. Walnut Backs & Rush bottoms one Walnut Desk and Book Case containing 50 books &c a large Walnut Chest of Drawers a large Walnut Table a small Do. 1 Card Do. a large Sconce looking Glass a Dressing Glass 2 Tea Tables with furniture 2 Common Tables 2 dressing Tables 1 pr. Andirons 6 Candle Moulds 1 pr. Kitchen Tongs &c 7 pr. Sheets 1 doz. pillow-beirs 2 large Table Cloths to fit the Capl. Table 6 smaller Tables Cloths 2 Silver spoons large 6 do. Tea Spoons one Silver Watch 1 Marble Mortar 6 Custard Cups 6 China dishes 6 china plates 1 2 Gallon China bowl 1 Gallon Do. 2 smaller china bowls 8 Delph dishes 1 Delph bowl 1 glass Salver 1 pr. Decanters 1 doz 11 Jelly glasses 2 doz. wine glasses 32 3 glass drinking Muggs 44 pictures some gold some bla Frames 2 matted chairs 1 large hair Trunk with about 200 prints 1 paint box 1 bla leather Writing box 1 large leather Trunk 1 small hair Trunk.

In the Kitchen
1 large brass Kettle 1 brass Skillet 1 Spit 2 Iron Pots 1 Dutch oven 2 frying pans 1 Warming pan a Gridiron 3 doz. hard Mettle plates 11 dishes do. 1 Skimer 1 Flesh fork 3 doz. patty pans 1 Copper Sauce pan 10 pr. brass Candle Sticks 1 pr. Snuffers 2 doz. Knives 7 forks 2 Coffee pots brass & Copper.

At a Court held for York County May 20th. 1745 This deed with the receipt endorsed and Schedule annex'd was this day [acknow]ledged in Court by the within named Wm. Dering and upon the prayer [of Phil]ip Lightfoot Esqr. they were order'd to be recorded, he having also acknowledged the sd. deed

Exam'd.
Test Matt: Hubard Cl Cur

Received May 4th. 1745 from Philip Lightfoot Esqr. the Sum of Two hundred and Ten pounds Currt. mony it being the principal Mony & Interest thereon within mention'd due from Wm. Dering on this Mortgage we do therefore herby Release all Our Right Title & Interest therein to the sd Philip Lightfoot and his Heirs Witness our hands & seals the day & Year above.

Sealed & deliver'd in the presence of
Pet: Hay

At a Court held for York County May 20th 1745 Peter Hay this day in Court acknowledged this Receipt & Assignmnt. to Philip Lightfoot Esqr. at whose Motion the same was Order'd to be Recorded.

Examd.
Test Matt: Hubard Cl Cur¹²

33

Several items in the above quoted schedules bear comment. The "2 large Table Cloths to fit the Capl. Table" were probably used by Dearing when he held his balls and assemblies at the Capitol.

In March and October 1745 Dering inserted these advertisements in the Virginia Gazette:

THIS is to acquaint the Ladies and Gentlemen, That there will be an ASSEMBLY at the Capitol , the 23d of April next, and will be continued every other Night, during the Court, by Their humble Servant,
William Dering .

THIS is to give Notice, to the Gentlemen and Ladies, That there will be an Assembly for their Entertainment, at the Capitol , on Friday Evening the 18th Instant, being Criminal Day; and that an Assembly will be continued every other Night during the Court,
by
Their humble Servant,
William Dering .

In September 1746 Dering again advertised his entertainments:

THIS is to give Notice, that for the Entertainment of Gentlemen and Ladies, there will be Balls and Assemblies at the Capitol, every other Night, during the Court, by their humble Servant,
William Dering .¹³

34

The Schedule attached to Dering's mortgage with Bernard Moore and Peter Hay mentions "8 pictures in Guilt frames 9 Do. in black frames 10 Do. without frames." When Dering's possessions were listed the following year several items imply that Dering was an artist as well as a dancing teacher: "44 pictures some gold some bla Frames," and "1 large hair Trunk with about 200 prints 1 paint box." Colonial Williamsburg owns a portrait of Mrs. Elizabeth Stith signed by Dering.¹⁴

By September 1749 Philip Lightfoot had died. William Lightfoot, his son and executor, took over the mortgage on Dering's two lots in Williamsburg:

This Indenture made this xxixth: Day of September in the Year of our Lord One Thousand seven hundred & forty Nine Between William Dering of the City of Williamsburgh of the one part and William Lightfoot of the County of Charles City Gent Son & Heir and one of the Executors of the Honourable Philip Lightfoot Esquire deceased of the other part Whereas the said William Dering was justly In debted to 35 the said Philip Lightfoot in his Lifetime in the Sum of two Hundred Eighty Six pounds fifteen shillings and for Securing the Payment thereof with the growing Interest thereon the said William Dering by Indenture bearing date the Eleventh Day of May One thousand seven hundred and forty five made between the said William Dering Dancing Master of the one part and the said Philip Lightfoot of the Town and County of York Esquire of the other part did Mortgage his Houses and two Lots lying on the East side of Palace Street denoted by the Numbers 165, 166 a Certain number of slaves and all his Houshold and Kitchen Furniture and other goods and Chattels mentioned and Comprized in a Schedule therto annexed to be paid at a Certain time therein mentioned And Whereas there is still Due and owning on the said Mortgage the Sum of two hundred Pounds with two years Interest thereon And Whereas the said William Lightfoot hath paid and Advanced for the said William Dering the Sum of thirty five Pounds Current Money for which he has this Day passed his Bond to the said William Lightfoot and the said William Dering being willing and Desirous that the said Lotts Houses Negros Goods and Chattels in the said recited Mortgage shall be & remain a Security for the Payment of the said Last mentioned Sum Now this Indenture Witnesseth that the said William Dering Doth Covenant Grant and agree to & with the said William Lightfoot his Heirs Execturos Administrators and Assigns that the Lotts Houses Negros Goods and Chattels with the Appurtenances in the said Indenture of Mortgage made to the said Philip Lightfoot in his Lifetime shall stand be bound and made Liable to the payment of the said sum of thirty five Pounds by or upon the Last Day of April next And for the more speedy raising the Sums herein before mentioned The said William Dering by these Presents Doth make ordain Constitute and Appoint the said William Lightfoot his Executors Administrators or Assigns his Lawful Attorney & Attorney's Giving and hereby Granting to him or them full Power to Bargain and Sell and also to Grant Release Alien Convey and Confirm the said Lotts Houses Slaves Goods Chattels in the said Mortgage and the Schedule thereto annexed mentioned and Set down for such Interest Term and Estate even in fee simple or for any lesser Estate or Interest upon such Rents Terms and Conditions or for such Prices Purchase Money or other Consideration By such Deeds Assignments & Conveyances in the Law with such Warrantys and Covenants and 36 in such manner and form as to the said William Lightfoot his Heirs Executors Administrators or Assigns shall seem reasonable and Convenient and in his name and as his Act and Deed to Sign Seal and Deliver Execute Acknowledge and put upon Record in the most ample and Effectual forms in Law All and every Agreements or Contracts in writing for Demise Lease or Absolute Sale and all and every Deeds Conveyances and Assurances for Sale and Conveyance of all or any the Premises and to Deliver Seizen and Possession of the same together with all his Estate Right Title and Interest in the premises unto any such purchaser or purchasers And upon receipt of the Consideration Moneys arising from any such purchase or purchases One or more Acquittances or other sufficient discharges to give for the same And the money Arising by the Demise Lease or absolute Sale of the Mortgaged Premises after the said William Lightfoot his Heirs Executors Administrators or Assigns deducting and retaining the said Sums of Money herein before mentioned and, Interest thereon now due or hereafter growing due to pay and deliver such Overplus to Sarah the Wife of the said William Dering Hereby Giving and Granting unto his said Attorney his full and whole Power and Authority to do perform and Execute All and whatsoever shall be requisite and Necessary to be done and transacted in and concerning the premises in as full and Effectual manner to all Intents Constructions and purposes as he himself might or could do if personally present and Acting in his own Person And Ratifying and Confirming and promising to hold for Good firm Valid and Effectual All and Whatsoever his said Attorney shall lawfully do, or cause to be done in or about the Premisses by Virtue of these presents In Witness whereof he hath hereunto set his Hand & Seal the Day and Year first above written

Sealed and Delivered in Presence of
W. Dering
J Power
Hum Brooke
Mary Power

Memorandum that the words [A Certain number of Slaves and other Goods and Chattels] in the tenth line from the Top, the Word [Negros] in the fifteenth line from the Top and the Word [Negros] in the Eighteenth Line from the Top were Interlined by sealing and Delivery hereof

37

At a Court held for York County the 21st: day of May 1750 This Indenture was proved by the Oaths of James Power & Humphry Brooke Witnesses thereto and on the motion of William Lightfoot Gent. Ordered to be Recorded

Examd.
Teste Thos. Everard Cl: Cur:¹⁵

In the five years since Dering first mortgaged his property, he had reduced the amount from £400 to £285.15, but he had given an additional mortgage upon slaves and all his personal property to Philip Lightfoot. He also owed William Lightfoot, who had taken over the mortgage, an additional £35. Such was the condition of Dering's debts that he named William Lightfoot as his attorney with the right to sell or mortgage the lots, houses, and goods if Dering did not make payment on the last day of April 1750.

These notices from The South Carolina Gazette indicate that William Dering had moved to Charleston by December 1749:

William Dering. Dancing, "the true French (and most approved) Method."¹⁶

38

This is to give Notice, to the Gentlemen and Ladies who have favour'd us with their Children, that on Tuesday the 18th of December next, at Mr. Gordon 's great Room (commonly called Court Room) there will be A BALL, to begin at six o'Clock in the Evening, by Their very humble Servants ,
DERING & SCANLAN.¹⁷

Reference to Dering's move to Charleston appears in a letter from John Blair to Lewis Burwell, acting Governor of Virginia who was absent from the capital:

Wmsburgh May 20th 1751.

Honble Sir
Hoping you may by this Time be near returning from the Springs with a well established Cure … I sit down to make my Report to your Honour of the two Criminals now under Sentence of Death… [Case of Seal and Lowe Jackson indicted for counterfeiting]
…

…Lowe Jackson went to North Carolina, and shipt himself there for Barbadoes, but being driven in again by a violent Wind repurchased his Horse, and got to Charles Town in South Carolina… having mett with his Acquaintance Mr Deering (who had a little before gone from hence) he readily acknowledged to him the Occasion of his coming. Mr Deering it seems accosted him 39 with a How now Mr Jackson what brings you here? is it any Thing of the old Affair?… and he was forced to fly from Justice; and in Confidence of his then Safety confessed to Mr Deering he had coined an hundred [doubloons] … Bird [James Bird had been sent to Charleston to get the Governor to apprehend Jackson.] upon the Trial made Oath here, that he was present when Deering made Oath to this Purpose before a Magistrate in Charles Town upon which Jackson was committed to Prison there, til we should send for him…

Yor Honrs
most Obedt humble Servant
John Blair.

a True Copy of my Report
To the Honble Lewis Burwell Esqr
President & Commander in Chief & ca¹⁸

Dering was involved in many suits for debt between 1744 and 1751. The record of one suit, William Nelson vs William Dering recorded in the York County Court on January 21, 1751, states that the sheriff "left a copy of the Petition Summon and Account at the House of the Defendant."¹⁹

Dering's name does not appear in the York County records after January 1751. On February 14, 1751, John Blair recorded 40 in his diary that he attended "Mrs. Dering's outcry."²⁰ This seems to indicate that Dering was not present at the outcry. Ownership of Lots 165 and 166 is indefinite from 1751 to sometime before September 1779. On September 1, 1779, when John Tazewell and his wife Sarah sold Lots 163, 164, and 169 to Henry Tazewell, Thomas Everard was identified as owner of the lots to the south.²¹

Lot 172

In the first recorded deed for Lot 172, dated July 14, 1716, the Trustees of the City of Williamsburg conveyed Lots 170, 171, 172, and 173 to Archibald Blair:

This Indenture made the fourteenth day of July in the Second Year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord George by the grace of God of Great Brittain France & Ireland King Defendr of the faith &c And in the Year of our Lord God one Thousand Seven hundred & Sixteen Between the Feoffees or Trustees for the Land appropriated for the building & Erecting the City of Wmsburgh of the One first & Archibald Blair of the County of James City Gentl of the Other part Wittnesseth that the sd Feoffees or Trustees for divers good Causes & Considerations them thereunto moving, but more Especially for & in consideration of five shillings of good & lawfull Money of England to them in hand paid at & before the Ensealing & Delivery of these Present, the receipt whereof & themselves therewith fully Contented & 41 paid they do hereby Acknowledge have granted, bargained, Sold, Demised & to farm Letten unto the sd Arch: Blair his heirs or Assigns for certain Lotts of Ground in the sd City of Wmsburgh, designed in the Plott of the sd City by these figures 170: 171: 172: 173: with all Pasturage, Woods & Waters & all manner of Profits, Commoditys & Hereditamts. whatsoever to the Same belonging or in any wise Appertaining. To Have & To Hold the sd granted Premisses & Every part thereof with the Appurtenances unto the sd Archibd Blair his Execrs Admrs or Assigns for & during the term & time of One whole Year from the day of the date of these Presents fully to be compleat & Ended: Yielding & Paying unto the sd Feoffees or Trustees the Yearly Rent of One grain of Indian Corn to be paid on the Tenth day of Octor Yearly if it be demanded, to the intent that the sd Archibald Blair may be in quiet & peaceable possession of the Premisses & that by Verute thereof & of the Statute for transferring uses into possession he may be Enabled to to accept a Release of the Reversion & Inheritance thereof to him & his heirs for Ever In Wittness whereof Jno Clayton Esqr & Capt Hugh Norvell Two of the sd Feofees or Trustees have hereunto Sett their hands & Seals the Day & Year Above written

Signed, Sealed & Delivered in presence of
John Clayton seale
Hugh Norvell seale

At a Court held for York County 16th July 1716

Jno Clayton Esqr & Hugh Norvell Gentl Two of the Feoffees or Trustees for the Land appropriated for the building & Erecting the City of Wmsburgh presented & Acknowledged this their Deed of Lease of four Lotts or half Acres of the sd Land to Mr. Archi: Blair & on his mocon it is Admitted to Record

Test Michl Dewick D Cl Cur

Truly Recorded
Test Phi: Lightfoot Cl Cur

-----------------------------------------------------------------

This Indenture made the fifteenth day of July in the Second Year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord George by the grace 42 of God of Great Brittain France & Ireland King Defender of the faith &c & in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Seven hundred & sixteen Between the Feoffees or Trustees for the Land appropriated for the building & Erecting the City of Wmsburgh of the one part And Archibald Blair of the County of James City of the other part Witnesseth that Whereas the sd Archibd Blair by One Lease to him by the sd Feoffees or Trustees bearing date the Day before the date of these Presents is in Actual & peaceable possession of the Premisses herein after granted to the intent that by Vertue of the sd Lease & of the Statute for Transferring Uses into possession he may be the better Enabled to Accept a Conveyance & Release of the Reversion & inheritance thereof to him & his heirs for Ever the sd Feofees or Trustees for divers good Causes & Considerations them thereunto moving but more Especially for & in Consideration of Three pounds of Good & lawfull Money of England to them in hand paid at & before the Ensealing & delivery of these Presents, the receipt whereof themselves therewith fully Satisfyed & paid they do hereby Acknowledge have Granted, bargained, Sold, Remised Released Confirmed & by these Presents for themselves their heirs & Successors as far as in them lyes & under the limitations & Reservations hereafter mentioned, they do Grant bargain, Sell, Remise Release & Confirm unto the sd Arch: Blair four Certain Lots of Ground in the sd City of Wmsburgh designed in the Plott of the sd City by these Figures 170: 171: 172: 173: with all Woods thereon growing or being together with all Profits, Commoditys, Emolumts & Advantages whatsoever to the Same belonging or in any wise Appertaining to Have & To Hold the sd granted Premises & Every part hereof with the Appurtenances unto the sd Arch. Blair & to his heirs for Ever To be had & held of Our Sovereign Lord the King in Free & Common Soccage Yielding & paying the Quitt rents due & legally Accusomed to be pair for the Same to the Only use & behoof of the him the sd Arch: Blair his heirs & Assigns for Ever, under the limitations & Reservations hereafter mentioned & not Otherwise, That is to Say, that if the sd Archibd Blair his heirs or Assigns shall not within the Space of Twenty four Months next Ensuing the date of these Present begin to build & finish upon Each Lott of the sd granted Premisses One good Dwelling house or Houses of such dimensions & to be place in Such manner as by One Act of Assembly made at the Capitol the Twenty Third day of Octor. 1705 Intituled an Act 43 continuing the Act directing the building the Capitol & City of Wmsburgh &c is directed, or as shall be Agreed upon Prescribed & Directed by the Directors Appointed for the Settlement & Encouragemt of the City of Wmsburgh pursuant to the Trust in them in them reposed by Vertue of the sd Act of Assembly Then it shall & May be lawful to & for the sd Feoffees or Trustees & their Successors the Feoffees or Trustees for the Land Appropriated for the building & Erecting the City of Wmsburgh for the time being into the sd granted Premisse & Every part thereof with the Appurenances to Enter & the Same to have again as of their former Estate to have, hold & Enjoy in like manner as they might Otherwise have done if these Presents had never been made In Wittness Whereas Jno Clayton Esqr & Capt Hugh Norvell Two of the sd Feoffees or Trustees have here unto Sett their hands & Seals the Day & Year Above written

Signed, Sealed & Delivered in the presence of
John Clayton seale
Hugh Norvell seale

At a Court held for York County 16th July 1716

Jno Clayton Esqr & Hugh Norvell Gentl Two of the Feoffees or Trustees for the Land Appropriated for the building & Erecting the City of Wmsburgh presented & Acknowledged the within Deed of Release of four Lotts or half Acres of the sd Land with receipt thereon to Mr Archibald Blair on whose mocon they are Admitted to Record

Test Michl Dewick D Cl Cur

Reced of Mr Arch: Blair the Sum of Three pounds being the Consideration mentioned in the within Indenture Reced I say this 17th July 1716

p John Clayton

Truly Recorded
Test Phi: Lightfoot Cl Cur²²

43

In July 1724 Archibald Blair purchased Lot 174 from John Randolph. Randolph had recently purchased the lot from Governor Alexander Spotswood.²³ From 1724 until 1773, the five lots (170, 171, 172, 173, and 174) were owned as one unit.

Archibald Blair probably held the above named lots until his death on March 4, 1733.²⁴ In a suit for debt entered in the York Court in May 1736, "James Blair Clk and John Blair Esqr" are identified as executors of the last will and testament of Archibald Blair.²⁵ There is a gap in the ownership of these lots from the period following Archibald Blair's death in March 1733 until sometime before June 1763 when John Randolph and Ariana, his wife, sold the lots to Peter Hay for £825. The 1763 deed for this property identifies the five lots by number and located the houses and lots "wherein James Carter formerly dwelt situate on the No. side of the Market place."²⁶

44

Dr. Peter Hay died November 26, 1766, at his house in Williamsburg.²⁷ His will (dated June 24, 1764; recorded January 19, 1767) noted that he was indebted to Col. Peter Randolph for £825.²⁸ This is the same amount given in the deed from John Randolph to Hay for the five lots. In his will Dr. Hay gave his wife dower rights to his property for her lifetime. In February 1768 Grissell Hay advertised lodgings:

Williamsburg, Feb . 16, 1768.

I TAKE this method to inform the public, that I have very commodious lodgings to let for a dozen gentlemen, and their servants, with stables and provisions for their horses, and shall be much obliged to those who will favour me with their company.

GRISSEL HAY.²⁹

Apparently the outcome of a suit in chancery against the estate of Peter Hay in the Court of Hustings for Williamsburg in December 1768³⁰ resulted in the property being put up for sale at public auction: 45

To be SOLD at publick auction , on Tuesday the 20th of this instant (June) before Mr. HAY's door, pursuant to a decree of the Court of Hustings , THE LOTS & HOUSES of the late Dr. Peter Hay , deceased, in the city of Williamsburg . The very convenient and beautiful situation of these lots is well known to every person the least acquainted with the city of Williamsburg , and therefore needs no particular description. Nine months credit will be allowed, the purchaser giving bond and approved security to
PHILIP WHITEHEAD CLAIBORNE.

N.B. Mrs. Hay is entitled to her dower in the above.³¹

Dr. George Gilmer purchased the property from Philip Claiborne, executor of Peter Hay's estate. On October 29, 1771, Dr. George Gilmer of Albemarle and his wife Lucy sold to John Blair

all those five Lotts of Ground together with the Dwelling Houses and all the outhouses thereon and other appurtenances whatsoever Situate lying and being on the North side of Nicolson Street in the said City and facing the Market Square being the same which the said George Gilmer purchased of the Executor of the late Doctor Peter Hay deceased and now occupied by his widow Mrs. Grizzle Hay, the Subject to her Dower...³²

John Blair owned the property for only a few weeks. An item in his will (written October 25, 1771; recorded November 18, 1771), refers to the property: "I Give devise and bequeath 46 to my Son James Blair the houses and lotts I purchased of Doctor George Gilmer where Mrs. Hay now lives to him and his heirs for ever..."³³ Mrs. Hay probably continued to live there for at least several more years. James Glasford wrote Norfolk merchant Neil Jamieson on August 3, 1773, that he had "left Southalls Lodgings for Mrs. Hays which tho' it is rather out of the way is far more agreeable this hot Weather."³⁴

Dr. James Blair lived about a year after inheriting the property from his father. He died December 26, 1772, while visiting Dr. George Gilmer in Albemarle County.³⁵ Though no copy of his will has been located, a deed from John Blair to Thomas Everard states that Lot 172 was devised to John Blair by his brother Dr. James Blair. This deed makes no reference to the other four lots (170, 171, 173, and 174) which until this time were held together.

In March 1770 Everard bought Lots 175, 176, and 177 east 47 of the Palace from Peyton Randolph³⁶ but held them for only three years. By the following deeds (dated September 10, 1773; recorded December 20, 1773) Everard received Lot 172 from John Blair in exchange for Lots 175, 176, and 177:

This Indenture made the Tenth day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred and Seventy three Between Thomas Everard Esquire of the City of Williamsburg [of] the one part and John Blair Esquire of the said City of the other part Witnesseth that for and in consideration of one Lott of Land in the said City conveyed by the said John Blair to the said Thomas Everard by Deed bearing date with these present and a[lso] for and in consideration of the sum of five Shillings by the said John Blair to the said Thomas Everard in hand paid the Receipt whereof i[s h]ereby acknowledged He the said Thomas Everard hath bargained [sol]d and confirmed unto the said John Blair three Lotts of Land lying and being in the said City in the Parish of Bruton in the County of York and denoted in the Plan of the said City by the figures 175 176 and 177 and were sold and conveyed unto the said Thomas Everard by Peyton Randolph Esquire by Deed Recorded in the County Court of York and all the appurtenances thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining and the Reversions and Reversions Remainder and Remainders Rents Issues and Profits thereof and all the Estate Right Title and interest of him the said Thomas Everard of in and to the same and every part thereof To have And To Hold the said three Lotts or half Acres of Land with the Appurtenances to him the said John Blair his Heirs and Assigns to the only property use and behoof of him the said John Blair his heirs and assigns forever In Witness whereof the parties to these presents have hereunto interchangably set their hands and affixed their Seals the day and Year first above written.

48

Sealed and delivered in presence of
Thos: Everard.

At a C[ourt] held for York County the 20th day of December 1773 This In[dentur]e was acknowledged by Thomas Everard party thereto [and or]dered to be Recorded

Examd.
Teste
Thos: Everard Cl: Cur:

-----------------------------------------------------------------

This Indenture made the Tenth day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred and Seventy three Between John Blair Esquire of the City of Williamsburg of the one part and Thomas Everard Esquire of the said City of the other part Witnesseth that for and in consideration of three lotts of Land in the said City conveyed by the said Thomas Everard to the said John Blair by Deed bearing date with these presents and a[ls]o for and in consideration of the sum of five shillings [to the] said Thomas Everard to the said John Blair in hand [pai]d the Receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged He the said [John] Blair hath bargained Sold and confirmed unto the said Thomas Everard one Lott of Land lying and being in the said City in the Parish of Bruton in the County of York and denoted in the plan of the said City by the figures 172 and was devised to the said John Blair by his Brother Dor. James Blair deced and all the Appurtenances thereunto belonging or in any wise Appurtaining and the Reversion and Reversions Remainder and Remainders Rents Issues and Profits thereof and all the Estate Right Title and Interest of him the said John Blair of in and to the same and every part thereof To Have And To Hold the said Lott or half Acre of Land with the appurtenances to him the said Thomas Everard his Heirs and Assigns to the only proper use and behoof of him the said Thomas Everard his Heirs and Assigns forever In Witness whereof the partys to these presents have hereunto interchangably set their hands and affixed their Seals the day and year first above written

John Blair

Sealed & delivered in presence of

49

At a Court held for York County the 20th da[y of] December 1773. This Indenture was acknowledged by John Blair Esquire party thereto and ordered to be Recorded.

Examd.
Teste
Thos: Everard Cl: Cur:³⁷

Neither of these deeds refers to owners of adjoining lots or mentions dwelling houses: however, the phrase "and all the appurtenances thereunto belonging" occurs in both deeds.

Lots 165, 166, 172

Though no documentary evidence has been located to prove that Thomas Everard owned Lots 165 and 166 when he obtained Lot 172 in 1773, Everard owned all three lots by 1779. On September 1, 1779, when John Tazewell and his wife Sarah sold Lots 163, 164, and 169 to Henry Tazewell, the lots were described as "bounded by Palace Street on the West by the lott of Thomas Everard on the North by the Lots of John Blair esquire on the East and by the Market square on the South…"³⁸

Everard owned property in Williamsburg as early as October 1745 when he purchased a dwelling house on Lots 263 and 264 on 50 Nicholson Street from John Wall. Reference to this purchase is included in the deed in August 1756 when Thomas Everard and his wife Diana sold the Nicholson Street lots to Anthony Hay.³⁹ After selling Lots 263 and 264 Everard may have moved to Lots 165 and 166.

Evidence found during archaeological excavations of the Brush-Everard Kitchen suggest that Everard lived on Lots 165 and 166 as early as 1756. A rim fragment of a delftware plate was uncovered in a context dated post 1745. This fragment is identical to three plates found on Lots 263 and 264 (where Everard lived from c. 1745 to c. 1756) in the contexts of the period c. 1740-1760. Though this pattern of delftware may have been used in Williamsburg during the mid-eighteenth century by more than one family, in excavations up to 1967 fragments had only been found on property occupied by Thomas Everard.⁴⁰

By August 1770 Everard was living near enough to George Wythe to consider him a neighbor. In a letter to John Norton of London, dated August 1, 1770, Everard stated that "your Son 51 has been sometime confined Sick at my Neighbor Mr. Wythes but is now pretty well recovered and gone to York."⁴¹ If Everard was living on Lots 165 and 166 or on Lots 175, 176, and 177, Mr. Wythe could be considered a neighbor.

Surviving invoices identify items which Thomas Everard ordered from John Norton & Sons of London between 1768 and 1773. Generally these items consisted of clothes for members of the family and servants and household objects.⁴² Some of the building materials may have been used for the Brush-Everard House. On August 2, 1769, Everard ordered 10,000 sixpenny and 10,000 tenpenny nails. On September 21, 1772, he again ordered nails: 10,000 tenpenny and 10,000 eightpenny. On February 10, 1773, Everard ordered "100 lb. White lead ground in Oyl." An order dated October 3, 1773, included "100 feet window Glass - 11 Inches by 9 ½."⁴³

Items from the Norton invoices as well as accounts Everard 52 had with Alexander Craig, a Williamsburg harnessmaker, indicate his style of riding and need for stables.⁴⁴ Accounts with Craig show that Everard had at least a chair and cart by August 1751: "To 2 padds for Chair Saddles ...a padd to a Cart saddle." Two years later (1753), Craig charged Everard "To Workmanship in Lyning a Chair, making the Cushion, Cheeks & bottom." By 1756 Everard evidently had a chaise as Craig charged for "a pr of Chaise Reins wt worsted." In 1761 Craig sold Everard a "harness for a Single Chair" but used Everard's "Saddle tree, Bitt, backband, belly band & buckles." On September 21, 1772, Everard ordered from Norton "2 Caps for Postilions" and on February 10, 1773, "4 Strong Great Coats for Negros 2 for men about the House and 2 for Lads Postilions."

Thomas Everard died after January 31 and before February 19, 1781.⁴⁵ No obituary, copy of his will, inventory, or any 53 reference to settling his estate has been located. He was survived by a daughter, Martha, who was married to Dr. Isaac Hall of Petersburg.

Land tax records which begin in 1782, though useful in determining changes in property ownership, are also confusing. The only reference to Thomas Everard appears in the Williamsburg Land Tax records for 1783 where his estate is charged for three lots valued at £4.10. There is obviously an error in the 1786 list which charges John Stith for ¼ lot at £6.15. Most likely is should read 3 lots instead of ¼ lot. In 1787 three lots valued at £9 were transferred from John Stith to Doctor Hall.⁴⁶ John Stith cannot be clearly identified and the relationship, if any, between him and Dr. Isaac Hall is unknown.

An undated letter from Isaac Hall to St. George Tucker indicates that Mrs. Riddell occupied the Brush-Everard House sometime after Everard's death. 54

Apr. 19th [c. 1786-1787]

…Present our best Respects to Col. Innis & request of Him to inform me how long Mrs. Riddell occup[torn] our Houses in Williamsburg & as nearly as He can remember, the Date of her taking Possession & quitting them - we would be glad likewise to know the opinion of the Value of the Rent of them at that Time -
Several Years ago, Col. Innis paid a small Sum of Money for Mr Everard to a Man who then acted as Mr Everards Overseer. If He knows it, We sould thank Him for information concerning the Mans Name & present Abode.⁴⁷

Isaac Hall was referring to Susanna Riddell, widow of Dr. George Riddell [Riddle] of Yorktown, who moved to Williamsburg with her wards, Camilla and Rachel Warrington, before November 1782.⁴⁸ Dr. Hall's letter is the only reference which has been located to Mrs. Riddell's occupancy of the Brush-Everard House.

The land tax records for 1782, 1783, 1784, and 1785 charge Susanna Riddell [Riddle] for 1 lot valued at £2.10. The 1786 tax records show that ½ lot valued at £3.15 passed from "Susanna Riddle Dec'd to Philip Barraud." From February 22, 1783, to October 18, 1785, Humphrey Harwood made repairs to a 55 house and outbuildings for Mrs. Riddell. Since Mrs. Riddell owned a house and lot (or ½ lot according to the tax records for some years) at this time, the repairs were more likely made on the property she owned than on property she rented for an indefinite period of time.⁴⁹ Mrs. Riddell may have rented the property from Dr. hall while repairs were made on her property. The following advertisement indicates that at her death Mrs. Riddell was living in a house which she owned:

TO BE SOLD,
AT the house where Mrs. Susanna Riddle, deceased, lived in the city of Williamsburg on the 19th day of January next a variety of household and kitchen furniture: Twelve months credit will be allowed for all sums above five pounds, bond and good security being given, the bonds to carry interest from the date, if not punctually paid when they become due. The houses which are very convenient and in excellent repair, and a number of valuable negroes are for immediate sale, and will be disposed of privately, if satisfactory terms can be procured. For the houses and negroes, a credit of eighteen months will be given.

J. AMBLER,}
ROBERT ANDREWS,}
Ex'rs.⁵⁰

56

As stated earlier, the land tax records for 1787 show that three lots valued at £9 were conveyed from John Stith to Doctor Hall. In March 1787 Humphrey Harwood made the following repairs to the Brush-Everard House for Dr. Hall:

	Doctor Hall (Petersburg)	Dr.
1787
March 19th	To taking down 2 Marble Chimney pieces 7/6	£_. 7.6
	To 134 bricks 4/ & 4 bushels of lime 4/	_. 8._
	To laying 2 Hearths 6/ & plastering Chimney 5/	_.11._
	To Hair 6d & labourers Work 3/	. 3.6
		£1.10._ 51

Dr. Hall may have had the marble chimney pieces taken down before he sold the property.⁵²

The land tax records for 1788 show that 3 lots valued at £9 were conveyed from "Dr. Hall to James Carter." According to these records James Carter held the property until 1797. From 1798 through 1819 taxes on the three lots were charged to 57 James Carter's estate. The name "Carter" appears on Lots 165, 166, and 172 on both the College Map of about 1790 and the Bucktrout Map of 1800.

A letter from St. George Tucker to his daughter [Frances Bland Tucker Coalter (Mrs. John Coalter)], written in 1805 or 1808, refers to a fire on Dr. Carter's lot:

The night before last we were roused finding the room quite light, and seeing a cloud of sparks passing the closet window - On rising I found the fire proceeded from a large old stable which you may remember to have stood on Dr. Carter's (now Mr Coke's Lots)…fortunately a calm night, and the mischief extended no farther than to some of Mr. Coke's offices…⁵³

The reference in this letter to Dr. Carter and the land tax charges to James Carter identify him as Dr. James Carter, the apothecary and physician who died in 1794.⁵⁴ Mr. Coke was probably renting or leasing the property at the time of the fire.

The boundaries of St. George Tucker's property were identified on April 1, 1815, as the lots which 58

adjoin the Lots of James Henderson Esqr. on the East; the Court House square (or Nicholson street) on the South, the Palace Street on the West, and the Lot formerly belonging to Dr. James Carter, & now in the Occupation of Mrs. Margaret Page on the North...⁵⁵

Mrs. Margaret Page was the widow of Governor John Page. She occupied Dr. Carter's house from around 1812 to January 1820. She was a neighbor of the Tuckers when her eldest son Gregory drowned at Capitol Landing in May, 1812.⁵⁶ On January 19, 1820, Mrs. Page wrote to her son John Page who was then in Union Town, Monroe County, that she was moving from Carter's property to Mrs. Skipwith's [the Wythe House]:

We began to move into Mrs. Skipwith's House to Day, I get it for the same rent I have paid for this, or I should not have taken it! …

Your tenderly affectionate Mother,
M. Page ⁵⁷

The land tax records for 1820 charge Milner Peters of Norfolk for the lot and buildings "Heretofore charge to Jas. Carters Est." Peters held the property for ten years.

59

In 1830 the land tax records show that Dabney Browne obtained the property "Via Wm. Pierce who purchased of Elizabeth Peters widow of Milner Peters decd."

In a letter dated April 28, 1835, Nathaniel Beverly Tucker told his wife Lucy A. Tucker about a fire which destroyed the stable and smokehouse on their property. He added that "Mr. Brown's house was saved with great difficulty, & was emptied of it's whole contents."⁵⁸

The land tax records for 1847 describe the property as "Formerly chd. to D. Browne & transfd. to Daniel Curtis in 1847." Daniel P. Curtis was also taxed for the property in 1848 and 1849.

According to the land tax records for 1850, Sydney Smith obtained the property "From Danl. P. Curtis in 1849."

The deed of sale, dated December 8, 1849, between Daniel P. Curtis and Elizabeth R., his wife, and Sidney Smith describes the property as

all that certain piece or parcel of land and tenement lying and being in the City of Williamsburg and State of Virginia and bounded as follows, to wit - On the North by the Street which separates it from the lands 60 lately owned by Richard Randolph and Thomas G. Peachy; on the south by the lot of Beverly Tucker; on the east by the lot of Jacob C. Sheldon and on the west by Palace Street and being the same house & lot, which the said Daniel P. Curtis, purchased of ______ Cole & Elizabeth R., his wife, and conveyed by deed, dated the 10th of December, 1845, together with all and singular the privileges and appurtenances to the said house and lot in any wise appertaining and belonging...⁵⁹

Since no reference to ______ Cole and Elizabeth R., his wife, appears in the land tax records, the Coles may have acted as trustees.

An increase on the value of the buildings given in the land tax records from $600 in 1850 to $1500 in 1851 probably indicates improvements or additions to the buildings.

A Gothic revival brick office was built north of the house after the middle of the nineteenth century. Mr. Robert M. Hughes, Jr., a grandson of Signey Smith, stated that the office was built by his grandfather sometime before the Civil War. A smaller front porch was replaced by the long Victorian porch after the Civil War.⁶⁰

61

In 1928 when John S. Charles wrote his recollections of Williamsburg at the beginning of the Civil War, he said the following about the Brush-Everard House [Audrey House]:

On the square bounded by Scotland, England, Nicholson, and Dunmore Streets there are now only two more dwellings than in 1861. The "Audrey House" then had a single front porch. The small brick office was very much as it was then.⁶¹

Mrs. Victoria Lee said in her recollections of "Williamsburg in 1861" that the "small, frame, story and a half building" owned by Sidney Smith had not changed.⁶²

The Smith family owned the property from 1849 until 1928 when it was conveyed to Dr. W. A. R. Goodwin, who represented the Williamsburg Restoration.⁶³

For ancedotal material relating to the Brush-Everard House see "Brush-Everard House History" by Mary A. Stephenson, 1956; 62 "Architectural Report: Brush-Everard House" by A. Lawrence Kocher and Howard Dearstyne, 1950 [revised 1952]; and A Williamsburg Scrap Book, compiled by The Williamsburg Garden Club, 1932.

114

INVOICES ACCOMPANYING LETTER FROM THOMAS EVERARD OF WILLIAMSBURG TO JOHN NORTON & SONS OF LONDON

John Norton and Sons Papers, 1750-1902, Colonial Williamsburg

[Aug. 20, 1768]

• "1 ps of Cambrick, 1 pr Plain Gause, 1 ps. narrow blond Lace at 1/ p yard
• 1 ps India Persian 1 ps bandana Handkercheifs 1 ps fine wt. Callico
• 1 ps Dark ground Printed Cotton 1 ps figured Dimitty, 2 ps Nankeen
• 2 Quilted Petticoats of black Russells not made up 1 ps long Lawn 3/ p Yd
• 2 dozen pair Womens Shoes black Callimanco size fives
• 1 ½ dozen pair Womens Cotton Stockings at 3/ ½ doz. pr Mens brown thread 5/
• 2 ps Oznabg 1 ps dark fustian for Negros 1 doz fearnothing Jackets
• 2 ps half thicks 1 ½ doz Mens & 6 Boys coarse Yarn Stockings Negros
• 1 doz. Sheets of tin ½ doz Mops ½ doz large Clamp brushes
• 2 lb Sage ½ lb Sloop ½ lb Nutmegs ¼ lb Mace 6 lb Pepper 6 lb Starch
• 2 lb fig blue 1 pint of Compound Spirit of Lavender 1 Hhd of Porter"

__________________________________________________

[Aug. 2, 1769]

• "2 ps of Irish Linnen at 4/ per Yard
• 2 ps Do. 3/
• 2 ps Do. 2/
• 3 ps Do. 1/
• 1 ps Sheeting at 2/6
• 1 ps Narrow Striped Cotton Holland
• 8 ps German Oznabs
• 2 ps Hempen Rolls
• 6 Diaper Table Cloths 2 Yards square
• 1 ps Green 1 ps blue half thicks
• 1 ps Kendal Cotton or Welch Plane
• 6 lb Oznabs and 2 lb Coloured thread
• 2 dozen pair Womens black Calimanco Shoes small fives
• 1 dozen pair Womens Cotton Stockings at 3/6
• 1 dozen pair Do. 2/6
• 2 ps India Chintz
• 115
• 2 ps India Persian 1 like the Pattern sent the other blue
• 1 ps Cambrick
• 1 ps fine plane Gause Muslin
• 6 lb Hyson and 6 lb Bohea Tea
• 1 dozen broad Hoes and 6 Lopping Axes
• 10000 6d and 10000 10d Nails
• 1 Ream of Writing Paper"

________________________________________________

[Aug. 1, 1770]

• "2 ps of Irish Linnan at 1/
• 2 Do at 1/6
• 2 Do at 2/
• 2 Do at 2/6
• 2 Do at 3/
• 2 Do at 4/
• 3 ps German Oznabs
• 2 ps Hempen Rolls
• 12 Mans fearnothing Jackets
• 2 ps half thicks
• 1 ps dark fustain
• 10 Yards blue broad Cloth at 8/ p year
• 2 doz. Negro Mens Yarn Stockings
• 6 pair boys Do.
• 2 doz. pair Womens black Cal. Shoes size fives
• 2 doz. pair Womens Cotton Stockings at 36/ p doz.
• 20 lb Salt Petre
• ½ lb Nutmegs
• ½ lb Mace
• ¼ lb Cloves
• ¼ lb Cinnamon
• 4 lb fig Blue
• 6 large hair Brooms 6 Mops
• 1 lb best Sealing Wax
• Miscellanies by John Armstrong M.D. in 2 Vols. Printed by F. Cadell 1770."

116

[Sept. 30, 1771]

• "1 ps of Irish Linnen at 4/ 1 Do. 3/ 1 Do. 2/ 2 Do. 1/
• 1 ps Sheeting 2/6 1 Do 1/6
• 2 ps Oznabrigs 2 ps Hempen Roles
• 6 Diaper Table Cloths 2 ½ Yards Square 6 Do 2 Yards square
• 1 ps Cambrick at about £3 the ps
• 1 ps Long lawn Coloured Handkerchiefs
• 1 ps India Silk Handkerchiefs
• 2 ps India Chintz
• 1 ps Dark Ground Cotton
• 5 Yards super fine black Cloth with trimings &c for Cloaths
• 150 Yards blue Plains
• 2 dozen pair Womens Cotton Stockings at 4/}
• 1 dozen pair Mens brown thread Do at 5/} Middle Size
• 2 dozen pair Negro Mens Yarn Stockings Large
• 1 dozen pair Smaller Do.
• 2 dozen pair Womens black Callimanco Pumps Size 5
• 1 Ream Propatria Writing Paper 1 Ream Whited brown Paper
• 30 Groce of Corks 2 brass Cocks"

___________________________________________________

[Sept. 21, 1772]

• "2 ps Irish Linnen at 4/
• 2 Do 3/
• 2 Do 2/
• 2 Do 1/
• 2 ps Oznabrigs 1 ps Diaper for Towells
• 12 Yards blue broad Cloth at 8/ per yd. with Shalloon & twist
• 100 Yards blue Plains, 1 dozen fearnothing Jackets
• 1 ½ dozen Negro Mens Yarn Hose
• ½ dozen Do. Worsted
• 1 dozen Do. thread Hose
• ½ dozen boys Yarn Hose
• ½ dozen felt Hats for negro Men, 1 fine Hatt for myself
• 1 ps dark Cooured fustain
• 1 double Gro: Coat and Waistcoat white Metal buttons
• 2 dozen pair black Calimanco Womens Shoes
• 8 pair Do. leather large fives
• 1 dozen ps Nankeen, 10 Yds. Hair cloth for Chair bottoms
• 2 Caps for Postilions 4 lb blue & 4 lb Oznabs thread
• 8 lb Hyson Tea
• 1 doz. lopping Axes 2 doz. broad Hoes
• 10,000 10d. and same Quantity of 8d. Nails"

117

[Feb. 10, 1773]

• "1 pr of Dutch Blankets
• 4 Strong Great Coats for Negros 2 for men about the House and 2 for Lads Postilions
• 6 Hair Lines for drying Cloaths
• 1 doz: Curry Combs 4 Mane Combs and Six brushes
• 100 lb White lead ground in Oyl
• A Venison Pasty Pan
• A Crate of Wash hand basons and chamber Potts"

_______________________________________________________

[Oct. 3, 1773]

• "3 ps. Oznabs. and 2 ps. Hempen Roles
• 1 ps. blue Plains, 1 ps. dark Fustain, 1 ps. Rushia Drab
• 2 doz: pair Strong Yarn hose for Men
• ½ doz: pair boys Do, 1/2 doz: pr. Strong Worsted for Negro men
• 1 doz: pair Womens black Cal: Shoes (fives) those sent by Davis did not wear well very bad
• 1 doz: pair Strong Shoes for Negro Men
• 1 ps. Cambrick at abt: £3
• 1 ps. Super fine white Callico
• 1 ps. India Silk handkerchiefs
• 1 pr. black Silk breeches Pattern or anything that will wear better/Garters and buttons
• A Womans black flowered Sattin Cloak and Bonnet
• ½ lb black and White Sewing Silk
• ½ lb Do. Light Colour
• 4 lb Oznabrigs thread 2 lb blue thread
• 1 pair Super fine large blankets
• 1 Copper Kettle abt. 36 Gallons. 1 Copper pan to remove fire Coals
• 1 Shovel pr. tongs and Poker - 2 Pewter Close stool pans large
• 4 lbs Pins different sorts, 500 White Chappel 1000 Comon Needles
• 2 Wheat Sives brass wire, 1 doz: Meal Sifters - 6 Searches
• 6 Mopps 6 Scrubbing brushes 6 hair brooms 2 Hearth Do.
• 6 Shoe brushes different sorts
• 100 feet window Glass - 11 Inches by 9 ½
• 8 lb Hyson Tea, 6 lb Pepper, 1/2 lb Mace 1/4 lb Cloves 1 lb Nutmegs
• 25 lb Salt Petre, 4 lb fig blue
• 2 lb Magnesia 1 lb best Jesuits back powered 4 oz. Rhubard powdered
• 4 oz. Salop powdered, 4 oz. Ippecacunaha powdered
• 118
• 2 Ream whited brown paper. 1 Ream Pro Patria Books. Spiritual Quixote printed for J. Dodsley. Letters on the improvement of the Mind for J. Walker Charing Cross. Essay on the Character Manners and Genius of Women in different ages enlarged from the French - Printed for G. Robinson Pater Noster Row."

119

John Norton and Sons Papers, 1750-1902
Colonial Williamsburg
[Thomas Everard to Messrs. Norton & Son, Merchants in London, 1st August 1770] Gentlemen
I wrote you very lately by Capt Walker inclosing two Bills for £103.18.4 and now send you the second of the Sett of those Bills our of which be pleased to pay to my brother £13.11.6 and to Mr. Robert Bunn £11.11-- On board your Ship the Brilliant are 4 hogsheads of my Tobacco the whole of this years Crop which is always short with me when the Price is high here. …

[Thos. Everard to Mr. John Norton, Merchant in London, 20 July 1771] Dear Sir
By Capt Goosley you will receive two Hhds Tobacco he had more sent him but for want of room they are relanded and will be put on board Capt Robinson when he arrives. I have shipped on board Capt Walker of the Randolph five Hhds more these were made at my own Plantation upon fresh Lands in Brunswick and I hope will suit the London Market. he is expected to Sail in about three Weeks being greatly delayed in his loading -- by the loss of the Tobacco in the James River fresh. …

[Thos. Everard to Messrs. John Norton & Son, Merchants in London, 21 May 1772] ...
Having wrote several times lately to Mr. Horrocks I forbear writing by this Conveyance in expectation of hearing from you what effect his Voiage to Oporto may have Should it please God not to restore him to Health which I have too much reason to fear he has but a poor chance for I doubt not of a continuance of your good offices to Mrs. Horrocks and should be glad she would take the first good Opportunity of returning to her friends here whatever she may be in need of for that purpose I will be answerable for - Present my unfeigned thanks to Mrs. Norton for her many kindness and be assured that I am Dear Sir…

[Thomas Everard to Messrs. John Norton & Son, London, 21st Sept. 1772] …
On board the Virginia I send you four hhds of Tobacco made 120 at my Plantation in Brunswick on fresh Land and if the Inspectors are proper judges they say it is very good my Overseer by some Accident was prevented from bringing to the Inspection the rest of his Crop or I should have sent you double the quantity.
…

[Thos. Everard to Mr. John Norton, London, 25 Sepr. 1772]

Dear Sir
Since I wrote you the 21st Instant your of the 9th July came to hand. I had some reason to think Mrs. Horrocks would have stayed til the next Spring as her Uncle seemed very desirous she should I am glad to find she is so well recovered from her fatigue to be able to return so soon. …

By Capt Goosley I sent Mrs. Horrocks four dozen of fine old Madeira and the like quantity of the same Wine by Capt Punderson which she intended to distribute among her friends this will arrive after she leaves England and probably she has given no directions about it You will be pleased to Accept of one half your self and left my brother have the other half. …

[Thos. Everard to Mr. John Norton, London, 1st August 1773]

Dear Sir
The Goods by Esten and Robertson came safe and in good Order. By the Virginia I send you 18 hogsheads of Tobacco 5 of them marked I.H. are to go to the Credit of Mr. Horrock's Accot. I wish you could set a Value on the 5 hhds immediately that you might close that Account the balance of which you much charge to me. By this method my Brother will be able as I have desired him to pay Mr. Thomas Horrocks directly his part of his Brothers Estate. The £100 for Randolphs Bill if you have not paid it to T. H. as you say you intended be pleased to let my Brother have for that purpose: I doubt not of your readies to Assist in bringing this matter to an end. …

I have given your Son Notes for six hogsheads, made to my Brunswick Plantation, he has put it on board Capt. Power it grew on fresh high Land and is said to be very good; let what you think the Value be Insured on it.

…
Mrs. Horrocks begs to be remembered to you Mrs. Norton and the rest of your worthy family she will always bear in her mind the many Civilities received from you and them. …

121

[Thos. Everard to Messrs John Norton & Son, 2 October 1773] …
By Capt Esten I wrote to my Brother, and sent him an Account of Mr. Horrock's Estate, by which he, which your Assistance, will be enabled to Settle with Mr. Thos. Horrocks for his part of the Estate, and to pay him his part in Signing a Bill of Sale for the Slaves; this I could wish, you would pay some Attention to, and have done without loss of time.
…

122 Norton Ledger, 1768-1781, Colonial Williamsburg
M-6

[folio 10]
	London November 1769 Cash	Cr
…
30	By Robt. Carter Nicholas paid his drat. to Thos. Everard	20.0.0
[folio 18]
	London September 1770 Cash	Cr
…
15	By Thomas Everard paid his order to Robt. Bunn	11.11.0
…
19	By Thomas Everard paid his order to John Everard	13.11.6
[folio 20]
	London December 1770 Cash	Cr
3d.	By Thomas Everard paid his order to Capt. Fearon	12.7.0
[folio 27]
	London September 1771 Cash	Cr
…
11	By Robt. Carter Nicholas paid his drat. to Thos. Everard	100.0.0
[folio 34]
	London July 1772 Cash	Cr
…
18	By Thomas Everard paid Mrs. Horrocks for 2 p Stays bot. by her	3.12.0
[folio 35]
	London August 1772 Cash	Cr
…
6	By Thomas Everard paid Lucy Necks p order Mrs. Horrocks	10.17.0
[folio 42]
	London April 1773 Cash	Cr
…
27	By Thomas Everard paid John Fisher for Taxes &c. for Mrs. Horrocks	1.14.0
123
[folio 47]
	London October 1773 Cash	Cr
…
28	By Thomas Everard paid Fras. Spenlove for a ps. Silk bot. by Mrs. Horrocks	19.0.0
[folio 48]
	London December 1773 Cash	Dr
…
9	To John Hatley Norton rec'd of Jno Everard to be paid his order in Virga.	25.0.0

---------------------------------------------------------

	London November 1773 Cash	Cr
…
12	By John Everard Painter paid him on Acct	10.19.6
…
	December 1773
…
9	By Thomas Everard paid Jno. Everard his Ballce. wth. Mrs. Horrocks as Adminx.	25.0.0
	By Thomas Everard paid Thos. Horrocks on Accot. the Este. Revd. J. Horrocks	82.14.3
[folio 56]
	London September 1774 Cash	Dr
…
8	To Thomas Everard rec'd of John Everard on his Accot.	20.0.0
[folio 57]
	London October 1774 Cash Cr
…
8	By John Everard Floor Cloth painter paid him on Accot.	12.0.6
[folio 64]
	London August 1775 Cash	Cr
...
16	By John Everard Floor Cloth painter paid him in full	3.18.9
[folio 73]
	London November 1776 Cash	Cr
…
25	By Thomas Everard paid his drat. to Robt. Turnbull	160.0.0