Martha Jefferson Randolph, by an unsigned note, expressed a wish for her children 
"to give their time" to three slaves ("Betsy Hemmings, Sally and Wormely"). 
Other references in the note make it clear that the slaves are not being liberated. This note has been referred to as a "codicil," but it is unsigned and unrecorded , and why it has been referred to as a "codicil" is unclear. Has anyone run across this term "to give their time"? The procedure for manumission was specific in the Virginia statutes at this time , so this term suggests a euphemism for a practice where slaves were permitted to go on their own , but were not required to leave Virginia , since they were not legally freed from slavery . Does this term appear anywhere else in the literature? . Any comments would be appreciated and it may be off list if preferred.


Richard E. Dixon
Editor, Jefferson Notes 
Thomas Jefferson Heritage Society
703-691-0770
fax 703-691-0978
fax 703-691-0978

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