| According to Christophe's estate, he was in
possession of about 33 slaves on 31 December 1825, which was after his
death. Christophe stated clearly in his last will and
testament that his "mulattoe" woman Maria Theresa and her daughter
Marguerite were to be freed upon his death as the laws of the state
would allow, or to be allowed to move to another state where she could
live in freedom. Not only did he free her and her child, he gave her a
yearly sum and a slave, Nelly, who was valued at $50.
Nelly was to take care of Maria until her old age rendered her
infirm. This act of generosity would not have been bestowed upon
just any bondsperson. It hints at Marguerite quite possibly
being Christophe's illegitimate child.
The following is an inventory and appraisement of Christophe's
estate at the time of his death. I have only extracted the slaves
and their value in the order in which they were listed. No age, sex,
or family units were noted. |
