A most interesting and unusual letter in which Mish, an attorney from Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, writes on behalf of a group of former Virginia slaves who are seeking a portion of their former owner’s plantation and estate.

          “Dear Sir,

 

I have been applied to by several colored persons here, who say they are entitled to a considerable amount of money from the estate of Robert Christy, who died 10 or 12 years ago. By his will, I believe he manumitted these negroes and bequeathed to them the proceeds of his personal property. S. Garrard was Executor of his will. The negro’s names are Vinia Lewis, Shadrach Lewis, Susan Lewis, Betsy Grubb, Henry Morgan, George Howe, Mary Davis, Matilda Davis, Page Davis, James Wilson, Maria Hardin and Alfred Christy. Will you please examine the records of the county, inquire into the case, and if there is any prospect of recovering the money, state what fee you would be willing to embark in the case for…”