Extracted from Biographical and Historical Memoirs Originally pub. 1890
Nashville & Chicago
The Southern Publishing Company
Mills Historical Press - Tuscaloosa, AL 1985
page 19
In 1836 a merry company passed through Natchitoches: David Crockett, John
Featherston, "Happy" Johnson, Ephriam Tully and Matthew Despallie. In describing
the last named, the gambler. Green, says * * * "He was a villainous bully. He
drew on me at Alexandria, in 1833, but I was expecting it, and shot him with a
derringer. I hurried away, supposing he was killed, and was assisted in my
escape by J. Madison Wells' father, who kept me at his plantation for several
days. I am not sure whether it was Matt, or his equally bad brother, who was
killed by ex-governor Wells." Resin P. and James Bowie were residents of
Opelousas Parish. Nassau, or Little Nas. a native of Natchitoches, who slept
outside the Alamo during the battle of March 6, 1836, was the only male who
escaped the fate of the besieged. Mary Britton and her infant were spared by the
Mexicans.
In the Name of God Amen I William Moseley of Chesterfield County & Parish of
Dale being in my perfect senses mind & memory praised be God do give & dispose
of all my worldly Goods in manner & form ——— Viz.
Imprimus I give to my Daughter Sarah Marshall one Negroe man named Tom to her &
her Heirs forever.
Item I give to my grand Daughter Sarah Marshall one Negroe boy named Tom to her
& her Heirs forever.
Item I give to my grand Daughter Sarah Moseley one negroe Boy named Gloster to
her & her Heirs forever.
Item I give to my grand Daughter Frances Moseley Daughter of my Son Wm one
negroe Girl named Judy to her & her Heirs forever. Item I give to my grand Son
Mathew Moseley one Bed & furniture to the Value of eight pds.
Item I give to my grand Son Thos. Moseley one Woman named Doll & all her
increase except the Negroe Girl that I gave to his Sister to him & his Heirs
forever.
Item I give to my grand Son John Moseley one small Bed & Furniture. Item. I give
to my Son Mathew four Children the Negroes that were divided amongst them to
stand as the Division was made to them & their Heirs forever.
Itm. My Desire is that the three Negroes that my son Mathew had the use of shall
go according to the Gift made in his Will to them & their forever.
Itm. I give to my G grand Son Mathew Moseley Son of Blackman Moseley one Negroe
Boy named Adam to him & his Heirs forever.
Itm. I give to my Daughter in law Mary Moseley widow of my son Wm Moseley
seventy five pounds Currant Money of Virginia to her S & her Heirs forever,
cont.