Manuscript document signed by Thomas Hampton. Pittsylvania County, Virginia, 28 July 1790. 2 pages, folio. Docketed to verso. WITH execution and entry into Pittsylvania County court on 16 January 1797 to verso. 

An early Virginia last will and testament of Thomas Hampton (1743 - 1797) that lists four named slaves and stipulates the distribution of enslaved children. 

To his wife, he leaves "All the Negroes," along with land and livestock. In addition to other land holdings and significant chattel, he dictates that his son, James, would receive "a Negro boy named Bob", his son John was left "one negro man Named Dick", his daughter Nancy was given "a negro boy named Daniel", and his daughter Margaret (alt. Margret) was to receive "one negro woman named Hannah." 

The document then goes into to detail of how Hannah's potential children should be divided: "And in case the said Negro woman should breed & have children, the first is to remain with the wench to Margret till her Death. The second living child at 2 years old, to go to Nancy['s] Eldest son Thomas H. Young." Further provisions are detailed for Hannah's third and fourth children. Her fate is concluded: "And at Margret's Death the said Negro Wench Hannah and Increase not given on will by me else where to her Sister Nancy Young."

A stark example of the control exerted over the enslaved and their children. 

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Separation along old fold.