Margaret Donald's Letter to her cousin, Gov. Patrick Henry of Virginia, 1790


Letter from Margaret Donald, Marischal St., Aberdeen to Patrick Henry in Virginia, dated 13 April 1790. Original letter in Library of Congress, Washington, D.C., in the personal correspondence of Patrick Henry, Manuscript Division ‎‎(mm 81025767)‎‎. Transcript also reprinted in "VA Mag of History & Biography" Vol. 33, pp. 44-45. Original spelling has been retained. Some punctuation has been added for clarification of sentence structure. Brackets are used to clarifiy misspellings or abbreviations.

Aberdeen 13 April 1790

"Dear Cousin,
Allow me to put you in mind that I am still numbered amongst the living - and would be very happy to hear of you and your whole family. I have wrot [wrote] your sister Mrs. Merideth sevral times, fear my letters never reached her. I had the pleasure to receive one from her and one from your worthy mother before her death. your sister wrot [wrote] me on that mealincoly occison [melancholy occasion] of the death of your Br[other] who I sincerly [sincerely] regret - your cousin David Henry is still Living. he is often desiring me to send the history of your relations in scotland which I have done again and again as far as I know. as we are at such distance I might not make him understand me that, and his ill health prevents him from writing you. your grand father's name was Alx Henry. he married a Jean Robertson whos Brother came to virginia and was living when my Br[other] Wm. Duguid was with your father. Jean Robertson had two sons, your father and the Parson of hanover. Three daughters who are dead long ago. there is children living witness, the two Mr. Milns and my selfe to t? [word not identified]. The rest is out of my knowledge as I am a stranger at home. My mothers name was Jean Henry. David Hen[ry's] father was your Grand father's uncle; my mother your Aunt. all this I believe you know but my cousin seems desirous you should know again. Sir I hop[e] in return you will send me word how all is with espisaly [especially] those I had the pleasure to know. first, my Dear friend Mrs. Merideth and her family. next Miss Bettsy Henry. and so and if you think Mr. Buchannen will & can send me and my sister the 2 hundred pounds George Donald left us. fairly did he promise it should be the first paid with interest when his lands was sold. I have been at some expense sending powers [powers of attorney] for my sister and my selfe but since they were sent had no notice of their comming [coming] or that I was to be minded at all. Mr. Oglvie who was in virginia at my Brothers death desired me to apply to his Brother Mr. Barret and he would do every thing in his power. to him I sent the powers; never heard from either. it would be kind of you Sir to make some inquiry and let me know if we are to get it or not. indeed it would be very seasonable sent now to boath [both] my sister and my selfe. with a heart full of good wishes to you and all your Relations over seas,
I am with esteem
Dear Sir, your affectionate cousin,
Marg't Donald

P.S. You might either send my letter to London or Glasgow as we have a post goes twice a week betweenst that and Aberdeen
To Margaret Donald
Mairschale Street
Aberdeen"


See image of original letter.

___________________________________________

Analysis ~~

"-Cousin" - Letter addressed to "Patrick Henry, Esq., Scotchtown, Hanover County, Virginia". "Peggy Donald" (author of letter) return name is also found on envelope; living in Aberdeen, Scotland in 1790.

-"Mrs. Merideth" - refers to Jane Henry, daughter of John Henry and Sarah Winston; Patrick Henry's sister. She was married to Col. Samuel Meredith.

-"your worthy mother" - refers to Sarah (Winston) Henry, who died 22 Nov 1784.

-"death of your br[other]" - refers to William Henry, son of Col. John Henry and Sarah Winston, who died Jan 1785 in VA.

-"your cousin David Henry" - David Henry was b. 27 Dec 1709 in Foveran, Aberdeen, Scotland, d. 5 Jun 1792 in England; son of Alexander Henry of Foveran. He was an active manager of the "Gentleman's Magazine," 1754-1778, published in London. He married a sister of Edward Cave, Jr. of St. John's Gate. As further discussed below, David's father was a brother of Col. John Henry's father.

-"your grand father's name was Alx Henry" - The letter clearly proves the relationships between siblings Jean, [Col.] John and [Rev.] Patrick Henry, children of "Alex" Henry and Jean Robertson. The only problem is that when attempts to find traces of Alex Henry in connection to the known facts about these children, it was found in the historical records that his name was actually Patrick as the following records show.

First of all, it is known that brothers [Col.] John and [Rev.] Patrick Henry both attended college in Aberdeen, Scotland. [Rev.] Patrick Henry attended Marischal College in Aberdeen, Scotland. The index of Fasti Academiae Mariscallanae Aberdonensis, Vol. II, Officers, Graduates and Alumni, p. 84, contains the following listings: �Patrick, sch., Aberdour, 295� and �Patrick, sen., Aberdour, 295 note.� (This is interpreted to mean there are two listings on page 295 for Patrick Henry. The first is for a 'scholar' or student, the second for a Patrick Henry, Sr.) The listings on page 295 reads: under �Alumni and Graduates in Art,� for the year 1714: �Pat. Henrie, i, ii� [footnote] 9.� This is interpreted to mean that Patrick Henry [the scholar or student] attended college in 1714, and that he attended first (bajan) and second (semi) year classes. Footnote 9 reads: �Crombie b.; s. of Pat. H., Aberdour; sch., Aberdour.� (This means he was the recipient of the Crombie Bursary and that he was the son of Patrick Henry of Aberdour who was a schoolmaster in Aberdour.) The Crombie Bursary was founded in 1644 by Sir Thomas Crombie of Kemnay. Bursaries were sums of money to cover expenses, awarded by competition to boys who qualified by means such as a particular resident parish or father's occupation, set up often by Alumni of the Colleges, local landowners, etc., to enable or assist students to get to University. Note that Rev. Patrick Henry indicated by signature in his will that he had obtained an �M.A.� (Master of Arts).

See images of Rev. Patrick Henry's University entries.

His brother John attended Kings College in Aberdeen. His name is listed for the year 1720 in the Index on p. 238 of Roll of Alumni in Arts of the University and King�s College of Aberdeen, 1596-1860, edited by Peter John Anderson, M.A., LL.B. (Librarian to the University of Aberdeen). On pg. 59, his name is also found in a 1721 listing as "Joannes Henry, Buchanesis, burs. b, s, t, m." This means, in latin, that John Henry attended college on the Buchan bursary, a scholarship from the District of Buchan, and that he attended four years. It is an important detail to note that Aberdour Parish is located in the northwestern section of the District of Buchan. A handwritten note by this entry in the university's copy of this book states that Joannes Henry [was] �father of Patrick Henry, one of the authors of the American republic.� These interpretations of the university records were confirmed by an archivist at University of Aberdeen.

See images of John Henry's University entries.

[Special thanks to Dr. Rebecca Wood, a Henry descendant, for providing copies of the university records from her previous correspondence with them and also to Michelle Gait, University of Aberdeen, Historic Collections, King's College, Aberdeen, Scotland for assistance with interpretation of the records.]

Further study of the only existing parish records for Aberdour Parish, the Old Parochial Register or 'OPR,' proved startling. The very first page of the register contains the signature of Patrick Henry, under which it is written "Sc. 1698 - 1719." At the top of the same page is written "Aberdour 1698." Within the register his name is found as "Mr. Patrick Henry, Schoolteacher." So, he not only lived in Aberdour Parish at least part of the time and taught school there, he also apparently kept the records in the OPR for a time. He is listed in other entries as well which add depth to the study of this family; and which proves the existence of two other daughters named Isabel and Elizabeth, in addition to his known daughter Jean Henry (see paragraph below on reference in Margaret Donald's letter to "Three daughters who are dead long ago.") Jean Henry married William Duguid in Aberdeen, Scotland on 27 Oct 1716. Their marriage record lists Jean's father as "Patrick Henry, farmer in Old Machar." (Marriage Register, 1716, Aberdeen, County of Aberdeen: "Oct 27th, 1716. William Dugud lawful son to William Dugud, farmer in Aberdeen, and Jean Hendrie lawful daughter to Patrick Hendrie, farmer in Old Machar parish, being contracted and cautioner for the man Alexander Watson merchant, and for the woman George Hendrie....payed two pounds Scots foresaid.") It was common for schoolteachers of the day to also be farmers. And, in fact, it is known that Col. John Henry farmed and tutored in Virginia. On the birth record of their son, William Duguid, Jr., [half-brother of Margaret Donald], on 26 Sep 1717 in Aberdeen, it is verified that Jean Henry and William Duguid were his parents. (Baptism Register, 1717, District of Saint Nicholas, Aberdeen, County of Aberdeen: "Sept. 26th, 1717. William Dugud, merchant and Jean Henrie his spouse had a Son called William baptised by Mr. Campbell, Witnessed William Cruden. Birsthe in Aberdeen, and William Dugud, farmer there.")

Patrick Henry/Hendrie and Jean Robertson are found together named as husband and wife in one record found to date, and that is in Aberdour Parish on the birth record of daughter, Isabel, who was baptised on 3 Apr 1706. (Aberdour OPR, 1706, Apr. 3rd: "Henry, Isabel lawful daughter to Patrick Henry & Jean Robertson in Aberdour baptised - witnesses were William Rainie in Dundargile (?) & James Youngson in Aberdour.") The identifications are clear and Margaret Donald's letter ties them all together and identifies the relationships. My conclusion is that either his name was "Patrick Alexander Henry," "Alexander Patrick Henry," or perhaps Margaret Donald confused his name with that of David Henry's father who was Alexander Henry. We have to consider that Margaret was in contact with her cousin David Henry and it was at his urging that she was writing their cousin Patrick Henry in Virginia to tell his about his relatives back home. But, I believe that the historical records prove that either his first or middle name was Patrick.

-"he married a Jean Robertson" - no marriage record has ever been found, but as stated above, they are found together as husband and wife on Isabel Henry's baptismal record 3 Apr 1706 in Aberdour, Scotland (OPR).

See image of the Aberdour Old Parochial Register (OPR) entries.

-"whos Brother came to Virginia and was living when my Br[other] Wm. Duguid was with your father" - this refers to Jean Robertson's brother who I believe to have been William Robertson of Scotland, who came to the Williamsburg, James City Co., VA area in 1698 with James Blair, later president of William and Mary College. William Robertson was known to have been a cousin of Lord Brougham. He owned property in Williamsburg and his portrait hangs in the lobby of William and Mary College. He was appointed Clerk of the Council of Virginia in 1698, a director of the capital in 1705, and a city alderman in 1722, and operated a windmill in Williamsburg. William Robertson 'of Williamsburg' purchased land in Hanover Co., VA bounded by John Henry near the end of his life in 1739. His wife is not known, but he left a daughter, Elizabeth Robertson, b. 7 Jan 1721/22 in Williamsburg, VA. She married John Lidderdale on 2 Mar 1738 in Williamsburg. After her father died, she was the sole heir to his property which she sold before she and her husband moved back to Scotland. They both died in 1777 at Castle Milk, Dumfrieshire, Scotland, leaving four children. Many published histories on this family identify Jean Robertson's brother as William Robertson, the famous Scottish Historian. However, Dr. William Robertson, D. D., son of Rev. William Robertson and and Eleanor Pitcairn, wasn't even born until 19 Sep 1721 in Borthwick, Midlothian, Scotland, far too late to be a brother of Jean Robertson, and died 11 Jun 1793 in Edinburgh, Scotland. And, after a careful review of his life, there is no evidence that he ever lived in Virginia, although his ninth and tenth books, contained the history of Virginia until 1688 and that of New England up to 1652, published from his manuscripts by his son, William in 1796.

-"my br[other] Wm. Duguid" (part of sentence in paragraph above) - refers to Margaret Donald's half-brother William Duguid, b. 26 Sep 1717 in Aberdeen, Scotland to William Duguid, Sr. and Jean Henry. After William Duguid, Sr.'s death in 1723, Jean Henry married (2nd) Alexander Donald on 4 Aug 1726 in Aberdeen. Margaret Donald, b. 7 Jul 1733, is a daughter of Jean Henry's second marriage.

-"when my br[other] Wm. Duguid was with your father" (part of sentence above) - this passage proves that when Wm. Duguid, Jr. first arrived in Virginia after emigrating from Scotland he lived with Col. John Henry, Patrick Henry's father. This is estimated to have been bet. 1740-1745 at which time Patrick Henry (1736-1799) would have been a child. William Duguid married Anne Moss on 25 Nov 1745 in Goochland Co., VA.

-"Jean Robertson had two sons, your father and the Parson of hanover." - this identifies the mother of Col. John Henry (Patrick Henry's father) and Rev. Patrick Henry "the Parson of hanover" (Patrick Henry's uncle) as Jean Robertson.

-"Three daughters who are dead long ago" - this passage tells us that there were three daughters in this family, sisters of Col. John Henry and Rev. Patrick Henry. These daughters can be proven as Jean Henry, who was married to William Duguid in Aberdeen, 1716. The other two daughters can be proven by the Aberdour OPR in which is found the birth record of Isabel Henry (bp. 3 Apr 1706), daughter of Patrick Henry and Jean Robertson. Further, another daughter can be tentatively identified in the Aberdour OPR as Elizabeth Henry, who was married to William Simpson/Simson. An entry at the birth of William and Elizabeth's daughter, Anne Simson, on 30 Jun 1725, identifies Elizabeth Henry as the mother. "Mr. Patrick Henry, Schoolmr" witnessed the baptism. There are no other Henry entries during this period in which Patrick Henry and wife Jean Robertson, Isabel and Elizabeth are found. Elizabeth Henry and husband, William Simson, had 7 known children in Aberdour Parish, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, as follows:

Anne, b. or bp. 30 Jun 1725 (Patrick Henry witnessed baptism for this child only which may imply he moved, died, or was simply too old to witness the other childrens' baptisms.)
Elizabeth "Bessy," b. ca. 1726
Margaret (b. or bp. 10 Feb 1727
Jean (b. or bp. 9 Mar 1729
Patrick (b. or bp. 2 May 1731
Isobel (b. or bp. 15 Jul 1734
Samuel (b. or bp. 2 Jul 1739)

-"there is children living witness, the two Mr. Milns and myself to t?" - this passage implies that herself and two relatives with the surname Milne were living witnesses to t? [word not identified]. Meade and others have transcribed this passage to read �...the two Mrs. Milns...� However, upon close examination of my copy of the original, it appears to me that the passage reads �...the two Mr. Milns...� one of whom could have been Margaret�s cousin, Peter Milne, (son of her aunt, Isabel Henry Milne) discussed below, who was still living in 1790.

See image of this passage in Margaret's Letter .

A record of Isabel Henry having a husband named Alexander Milne was found in in the MI's (Monument Inscriptions or "tombstone records") of Fyvie Par., Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Alexander Milne was a Farmer at the Mill of Crichie, near Fyvie. He was b. ca. 1708 and d. 2 Jul 1780. Isabel Henry, his wife, d. 25 May 1777. Both are buried in the Fyvie Cemetery. In addition, they had a son named Peter Milne, b. 17 Jun 1745 in Fyvie, d. 16 Feb 1803 in Fyvie, m. Elizabeth Leask on 21 Aug 1790 in Fyvie. Peter and Elizabeth are both buried in the Fyvie Cemetery as well. They had three known children, as follows:

Alexander Milne, b. 5 May 1787, d. 26 Mar 1862
Barbara Milne, b. ca. 1793, d. 8 Nov 1853 in Geldinsburn, Fyvie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, m. James Duguid, Master Carpenter, on 20 Nov 1828 in Fyvie. Both buried in Fyvie Cemetery along with some of their children.
Margaret Milne, d. 10 Feb 1826 in Fyvie, m. Charles Raitt, overseer of Fyvie Castle. Margaret is buried in Fyvie Cemetery.

Full text of Fyvie Cemetery, Stone No. 431 (from MI, AA136, Fyvie Kirkyard, Fyvie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland):

In memory of ALEXANDER MILNE late farmer in Mill of Crichie d. 2 July 1780 aged 72: ISOBEL HENRY his spouse d. 25 May 1777 aged 71. Their son Mr. PETER MILNE late schoolmaster Fyvie d. 16 Feb 1803 aged 59: his spouse ELISABETH LEASK d. 10 Feb 1826 aged 73. Also in memory of WILLIAM DUGUID d. 23 May 1830 aged 2, JAMES d. 4 July 1830 aged 4, ELISABETH d. 10 July 1830 aged 6 - the children of JAMES DUGUID in Geldinsburn. MARY d. in infancy. BARBARA MILNE d. 8 Nov 1853 aged 60, wife of the above JAMES DUGUID d. 21 Dec 1868 aged 77.

It is possible that Alexander Milne and Isabel Henry had two daughters, which would explain Margaret's reference to the Milne relatives, but definitive identification has not been made.

-"I am a stranger at home" - this seems to imply that Margaret had left Scotland for a period and returned. Since she corresponded with Patrick Henry's mother and sister, it seems that she knew them and we have to consider that perhaps she had spent some time with them in Virginia.

-"My mother's name was Jean Henry" - she identifies her mother as Jean Henry. This is important because also in the letter she identifies a brother as William Duguid, meaning that she and William shared the same mother named Jean Henry. This is further proven by 1) William Duguid, Jr.'s birth record (1717) naming parents as William Duguid and Jean Henry; 2) Jean Henry's 2nd marriage to Alexander Donald in 1726 which produced, among others, daughter Margaret Donald (author of the letter) on 7 Jul 1733. In the next sentence of the letter, see below, she also identifies her mother as Patrick Henry's aunt, meaning Jean Henry was a sister of his father, Col. John Henry.

Taking it a step further, in the marriage of Jean Henry to William Duguid in 1716, Jean's father is identified as "Patrick Henry, farmer in Old Machar" thus proving that their father went by the name of "Patrick" Henry rather than "Alex," at least in the records positively identified thus far.

-"David Hen[ry's] father was your Grand father's uncle" - David Henry has already been identified as a cousin in Margaret's letter. His father was known to have been Alexander Henry, proven by his birth record in Foveran Parish, Aberdeeenshire, Scotland. ("Alex Henry in Foveran had a son baptised called David" 27 Dec 1709, one of the witnesses was Alex. 'Mill' (frequently found as a spelling of Milne). We know that Patrick Henry's grandfather was Patrick (Alex?) Henry, who was married to Jean Robertson. So, David Henry's father was uncle to Patrick (Alex?) Henry. In other words, David Henry's father, Alexander Henry, was a brother of Patrick (Alex?) Henry's father. It is not known who Patrick (Alex?) Henry's father was, nor who Alexander Henry's father was.

- "my mother your Aunt" - this confirms that Margaret Donald's mother, who has been identified as Jean Henry, was Patrick Henry's aunt and thus sister of Col. John Henry.

-"those I had the pleasure to know. first, my Dear friend Mrs. Merideth and her family, next Miss Bettsy Henry" - this passage seems to confirm that Margaret Donald spent time with Patrick's sister, Jane Henry who was married to Col. Samuel Meredith. "Miss Bettsy Henry" may have been a reference to Patrick's sister, Elizabeth Henry, who married 1) Col. Wm. Campbell and 2) Gen. Wm. Russell or it could have been a reference to Elizabeth �Betsy� Henry, Patrick�s daughter, whose mother was Patrick's first wife, Sarah Shelton. Betsy was b. 23 Apr 1769 and married Col. Philip Aylett in 1786. Since Margaret referred to Betsy as "Miss Betsy Henry" she may not have known of her marriage. Therefore we can deduce that if Margaret Donald visited Virginia and was referring to Patrick�s daughter, Betsy, it was probably before 1786.

-"Mr. Buchannen" - James Buchanan was one of the Executor's of Margaret's brother's (George Donald) estate in Virginia. This newspaper advertisement appeared in the Virginia Gazette, Purdie, 27 Mar 1778, pg. 4:

"To be sold, agreeable to the last will and testament of George Donald, deceased, at Fluvanna courthouse, on Thursday the 7th of May. A valuable tract of land, containing about four hundred acres, lying on Rockfish creek, in the said county, adjoining the plantation of Col. William Henry, and within two miles of James river. A considerable proportion of this tract is low grounds, about an hundred acres cleared, and the soil in general is good for corn and tobacco. Mr. Daniel Tilman, who lives in the neighbourhood, will show the land to any person inclinable to purchase. One third of the money will be required on executing the deed, the remainder in two annual payments, giving bond and security. All persons indebted to the estate of the said George Donald, deceased, are desired to make immediate payment and those who have any demands against the said estate are requested to make them known to Abraham Cowley and James Buchanan, Executors."



-"my sister" - Margaret Donald's sister was Isabella Donald, bp. 9 Jan 1727 in Skene Par., Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

-"2 hundred pounds George Donald left us" - George Donald was Margaret and Isabella's brother, and half-siblings of Wm. Duguid/Diuguid. George was born to Jean Henry and 2nd husband, Alexander Donald, on 6 Feb 1731 in Skene Par., Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Skene lies eight miles west of Aberdeen. It is a village and in the 1770s it would have been a small cluster of farms and a church. George Donald was a merchant who emigrated to Virginia. He married Dorothea Jones who was born 2 Feb 1727 in Williamsburg, VA, daughter of Col. Thomas Jones and Elizabeth Cocke. On 20 Oct 1771, "Peter Winston, Gent, et als, are appointed to privately examine Dorothea, wife of George Donald, for relinquishment of dower right in a piece of property conveyed to her sd. husband." The Valentine Papers, p. 1664.

On 25 May 1776, George Donald advertised his plantation in Henrico Co. for sale in the Virginia Gazette, Dixon and Hunter, pg. 2:

"To Be Sold, A plantation in Henrico Co., where the subscriber now lives, containing between 3 and 400 acres of land, pleasantly situated, about two miles and a half from Richmond Town, whereon is a commodious Dwelling House, Kitchen, Smokehouse, Dairy, Garden, Barn, Stable, Chair-House, an Overseer�s House, and a Negro Quarter. The Purchaser may have long credit, on paying interest, and may have immediate possession of the houses, with a Pasture, and of the Plantation as soon as the crop is finished. George Donald"



George and Dorothea had no issue. George died by Oct 1776 when his will was proved in Henrico Co., VA. The will was either destroyed or lost and refiled on 6 Jul 1795, Henrico Co., VA. Dorothea (Jones) Donald married 2nd a Mr. Arbuthnot and died ca. 1780. George Donald was described as a "wealthy merchant from Glasgow." "This family of Donalds were cultivated people of high social standing, not only in Virginia, but also in Scotland, where they owned country seats and did a large mercantile business. There are several letters in my possession which were written by different members of this family in Scotland to this lady's mother, Mrs. Jones, and they express the greatest respect and friendship for her and all her family." (Captain Roger Jones of London and Virginia, by Judge Lewis Hampton Jones, 1891, pp. 40-42).

-"he promise it should be the first paid with interest when his lands was sold" - this is verified by the Last Will and Testament of George Donald, as follows.

[pg. 341] "In the name of God amen: I George Donald of the County of Henrico, in Virginia, being of sound mind and memory, do make and publish this my last Will and Testament in the manner following: viz. First, I desire that all my just debts may be paid as soon as may be, for which purpose I authorise and empower my executors hereafter named to sell and dispose of any part of my estate they shall think can be most speedily and advantageously done. Item - I then give and bequeath to my wife, Dorothea Donald, and her heirs forever, all the residue and remainder of my estate both real and personal, provided that with two years after the final payment of my debts she shall pay or cause to be paid into the hands of my other executors jointly named with her in this will, the sum of one hundred pounds [pg. 342] pounds sterling to be by them remitted or paid to my sisters, Isabella and Margaret Donald or their heirs, in equal proportions of fifty pounds to each, and that in one year time, that is with three years after the final payment of my debts, my said wife, Dorothea Donald shall pay into the hands of my other exors the further sum of one hundred pounds sterling, to be remitted by them to my sisters or their heirs as aforesaid, in equal proportions of fifty pounds each. If the first sum of one hundred pounds sterling is not paid with the time limited, from thence it shall bear interest, and in default of payment of the two hundred pounds sterling by my wife Dorothea Donald within the three years limited, then and in such case my other executors are hereby authorised and empowered to sell and dispose of such further part of my estate as will enable them to remit the sums aforesaid, with interest from the time it ought to have been paid, till it comes into their hands, and no longer, to my sisters according to the true and real intention of this will. In case my wife should happen to die before the legacies bequeathed my sisters becomes due, then upon the refusal or neglect of her heirs to pay the aforesaid sum of two hundred pounds sterling, into the hands of my executors with three months after my decease, they are hereby authorised and empowered to sell and dispose of such further part of my estate as will enable them to remit my sisters their respective legacies as soon as possible without any regard to the time limited above, as it is the trust interest and purpose of this will that my wife should be absolutely possessed of all my worldly estate, my debts and the legacies above mentioned being first secured in manner the most agreeable to her. Therefore in the disposal of my effects, I would desire that such parts as she shall approve of, may be the first put to sale, and so on until the purposes of this will are wholly completed. For the due performing of which, I hereby constitute and appoint my wife Dorothea Donald, James Buchanan, Abraham Cowley, Fortunates Sydnor and James Swain, Exors. of this my last will and testament, revoking all others by me made. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 18th day of July 1776." Signed: George Donald. Signed and acknowledged in the presence of Jas. Lyle, Robt. Brown & David Cabion(?) Henrico County, October Court 1776.

The Last Will and Testament of George Donald was presented in Court by Dorothea Donald, the Executrix therein named and upon oath [p. 343] and being proved by Robert Brown and David Cabion (?), was admitted to record. Teste, William White.

At a monthly Court held for Henrico County, at the Courthouse, the sixth day of July 1795:
This attached copy of the Last Will and Testament of George Donald, deceased, was presented in Court (and the record and original thereof having been lost or destroyed) and ordered to be again recorded. Teste"
(LDS film No. 31782, Will Book No. 2, 1787-1802, Henrico Co., VA).

See image of George Donald's Last Will and Testament.

-"Mr.Oglvie" - has not been identified. He would probably have lived in the Henrico Co., VA area ca. 1790.

-"Mr. Barett" - has not been identified. He was probably Mr. Oglvie's (Ogilvie/Oglesby?) brother-in-law, an attorney whom Margaret Donald sent her power of attorney to and never got a response from him.

- "it would be kind of you Sir to make some inquiry and let me know if we are to get it or not" - here Margaret is asking Patrick Henry to inquire into the status of her and sister Isabella's inheritance from George Donald.

-"Mairschale Street" - Margaret's residence in 1790. This is located in the heart of old Aberdeen, near the wharf.

__________________________________________

Special thanks also to: Judy Henry and Dr. Rebecca Wood for discussions regarding research done by themselves and Scottish genealogist Eileen Bailey. See earlier works of research on the Margaret Donald letter: William Diuguid of Buckingham County, Virginia by Eleanor MacRae; Patrick Henry, Patriot in the Making by Robert Douthat Meade.

June 2009
Karen Lucas Williams
104 Jenny Ln
Montgomery, TX 77356
[email protected]


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