Partly printed document completed in manuscript and signed by Clerk of Courts James Davenport. Westmoreland County, [Virginia], 25 April 1775. 1 page, docketed to verso. 

A Revolutionary War era writ of attachment between Anthony Bowcock (ca 1720-1777) and his brother Thomas Bowcock (1722-1785). The sheriff is ordered to keep Anthony Bowcock "to answer Thomas Bowcock of a plea of Detinue for one negro man slave named Ben of the price of Five hundred pounds Damage five hundred pounds." 

Interestingly, this document was signed less than a week after the Battles of Lexington and Concord, at the very dawn of the American Revolutionary War.

When Anthony died two years later, his will read "I lend to my brother Thomas Bowcock Negro fellow Seasor to live with his children and no more of my estate." (1773-1787 Westmoreland County, Virginia Deeds & Will Book 16 & 17. p. 91). By 1782, Thomas was listed as owning 4 enslaved individuals.

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