Sealed and delivered in presence of [Illustration: Signature of Tho Pleasants (Seal) John Payne Mary Payne] John Payne likewise manumitted all his slaves before his removal to Philadelphia. After the passage of the law of 1782 the Friends no longer hesitated, and their slaves, as far as permitted by law, were generally freed. At the same time their owners, who had thus made themselves obnoxious to their slave-owning neighbors, prepared to remove to a free state, the great majority to the west. John Payne had for some years been looking forward to a removal to Philadelphia, where his son Walter was already established in business. Their movements about this time are definitely ascertained by a reference to the Quaker records: Cedar Creek, 8 mo. 11, 1779--"By a report from Cedar Creek Preparative Meeting, it appears that Walter Payne has removed to Philadelphia. Micajah Terrel, James Hunnicutt, Moses Harris and Micajah Davis are appointed to prepare a certificate for him, and assign the same in behalf of the Monthly Meeting if nothing obstructs." "On the 13th of 1st month, 1781, Mary Payne informed this meeting that she proposed in some short time a journey to Philadelphia, and requests a few lines certifying her right of membership with us." Which certificate is directed to be drawn up and signed. Elizabeth Drinker, wife of Henry Drinker, of Philadelphia, records in her diary: 1781, March 5--"Molly Payne spent y^e day, and lodged with us. She and son Walter breakfasted y^e 6th." And finally the meeting records: "On the 21st of Second Month, 1783, John Payne requests a certificate for himself and family to join themselves to Friends in Philadelphia. Micajah Crew and Moses Harris are appointed to make the necessary enquiry, and if nothing appears to hinder, produce one accordingly at next meeting." This committee seems to have thought that John Payne could not properly discharge his duties as executor from the distant town of Philadelphia. Accordingly, at the next meeting, held the following month: "James Crew is appointed to receive the estate of Elizabeth Elmore, deceased, from John Payne, executor, and give us account thereof at next meeting. Micajah Crew, James Jarvis and James Hunnicutt are appointed to assist him in devising the said Elizabeth Elmore's cloths and to give their advice and assistance in settling all other matters that may come before them, respecting the estate." "And as John Payne is about to remove without the verge of this Meeting, James Hunnicutt is therefore appointed clerk thereof in his stead." It will be seen that this little community looked carefully after the various interests of its members. Their "temporal" as well as "spiritual" affairs were within its province, to advise and admonish as seemed best to them.