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Lot 514: 1857 Slavery Bill of Sale

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Lot  514: 1857 Slavery Bill of Sale
<b>Black History</b><hr><b>Sale of 'A Slave For Life'</b>

<b>1857 BILL OF SALE. Harrison, Age About 14, Is Sold To A Woman for $1,300.</b>
Manuscript Document, being a Bill of Sale and Warranty; 1 page, 9' x 11.5', April 6, 1857. Fine; right margin toned and ragged, slightly separated at one fold. J.R.Coleman writes that 'For and in consideration of thirteen hundred dollars the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged - I have...sold & delivered to Sarah J. Midelton a negro Boy named Harrison aged about fourteen years. Said negro I warrant sound in body and a slave for life. Also warrant & defend the title against all others whatsoever.'

In mid-19th century Texas, prime male field hands aged 18 to 30 cost, on average, $1,200; in comparison, good Texas cotton land could be bought for six dollars an acre. Harrison, the 'slave for life,' was, then, of considerable economic value.