Editorial note — XVI
Reading edition
See Will Book for 1797, Clerk's Office, Prince Edward County, Farmville, Virginia.
Note: Mr. Randolph explained in his will that he did not emancipate his slaves by deed because at the date his will was written they were still bound for certain debts of his father from whom he inherited them. In accordance with his will they were all, some two hundred in number, finally set free. Richard Randolph was the brother of John Randolph of Roanoke and a stepson of St. George Tucker.