ct the common
affairs of life for that purpose I have had a Schoolhouse put on
my land called Gravely hills tract containing by estimation 350
acres the use and profits whereof I give for that purpose
forever, or so long as the Monthly Meeting of Friends in this
County may think it necessary for the benefit of the children and
descendants of those who have been emancipated by me, or other
black children whom they may think proper to admit; reserving
only to my heirs hereafter named the priviledge of cutting timber
occasionally for building, of which there appears to be more than
perhaps may ever be necessary for the use of the School and the
Tenants who are now on it, or hereafter may settle thereon and
reserving also a privilege for my old servant Philip and his Wife
Dilcy to settle on and occupy such part thereof as they may
choose (not interfering with the school) during their natural
lives, they not committing Waste or taking others to work the
land under colour of this gift except it should be necessary for
their support reserving also to the women Effee, Sarah, Dilcy and
Elcy to continue or live on rent free during their natural lives
on the same conditions or restrictions expressed in my grant to
Philip and Dilcy and I further direct that in case those of my
heirs who may claim a right to the service of the young blacks
under this will should neglect or refuse to give them learning
either at the above mentioned School or by some other way or
means, I hereby declare them free one year before their time of
servitude expires and to be sent to school at the expense of my
estate for that time. And Whereas a suit was instituted several
years ago in my name as the Heir at Law of my Father and only
acting executor to him and my Brother Jonathan Pleasants for the
relief of a number of Negroes by them directed to be free at a
certain age, but wrongfully held in Bondage which suit was lately
determined in their favor, but considering that many of them have
been brought up in ignorance and may need the care, advice and
perhaps assistance too of friends I do request my beloved friends
to be nominated Executors by this _Will_ to extend such care
towards them as the nature of the case may call for or require."

PROCEEDINGS OF A RECONSTRUCTION MEETING[531