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Lot 368

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Slave Auction Document, South Carolina, 1820

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Black History

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Official Document Detailing The Auction of 12 Slaves

September 19, 1820, Document Recording The Sale At Auction of 12 Slaves, South Carolina, Choice Very Fine.
3 pages, 13.25” x 8”. This official document served as legal proof of transfer of ownership of said slaves, along with a clear description of the situation leading up to the sale. The sale was triggered by a “Judgment for a certain sum of money against Prudence Gaudy....” and to cover the debt, his 12 slaves were taken and sold at auction. On April 3, 1820, the sale of “Mary, Sarah, Becky, Peter, George, Old Peter, Charles, Pepe, Viney, Delilah[inserted over Delia, which was crossed out], Frank and Davi” was completed, and the selling price was $4,320. Care was taken in correcting of the name Delilah, two times in this document along with written verification from the judge of such change. Signed by Richard H. Tutt, most likely the judge, along with other several others. Making this document standout is the auctioning of the slaves given that during the time period most of the debts would be paid off by simply selling the slaves, rather than posting them up for auction in a large group. This auction of 12 slaves is rare and hardly seen. Age-toned with minor edge splits and foxing; does not take away from overall appearance of document.

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