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Pair of North Carolina Documents Re: Slavery Pair of North Carolina Documents Regarding Slavery.

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:300.00 - 400.00 USD
Pair of North Carolina Documents Re: Slavery Pair of North Carolina Documents Regarding Slavery.
<B>Pair of North Carolina Documents Regarding Slavery.</B></I> This lot features one handwritten document, and one printed document both having to do with happenings in North Carolina. North Carolina has a rich history, aside from being the nascent state of "Krispy Kreme Doughnuts." During the 19th century, North Carolina was a slave state, and was a part of the Confederate States during the Civil War. The content of the handwritten letter discusses an agreement between two parties over the sum of 500 pounds. Three prominent statesmen, George Williams, Henry Shurley, and Benjamin Wilkinson signed this paper agreeing to pay John Mayo the amount of 500 pounds. The letter then goes on to read, "<I>The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas the above bound George W. Williams hath on the date of these presents had Rebecca Mitchell a girl of colour bound an apprentice to him to learn the art and calling of a seamstress.</B></I>" <BR> The one page, 8" x 13" document is written in dark crisp ink, and is signed by all three of the men who borrowed the money: Wilkinson, Shurley, and Williams. It was written in Edgecombe County, North Carolina on February 25, 1822. The letter is in good condition with only slight chipping of the brittle paper on the right edge, small tears on the lower edge, and signs of the onset of acid degradation. A wonderful piece of history with fascinating content. <BR><BR>The second document is a one page printed indenture signed and completed on December 2, 1825, in Edgecombe County, North Carolina. The agreement is between Richard Harrison and Michael Hearn. The document regards the purchase of a slave and reads, "<I>…said presiding Justice, in Pursuance of an Order of said Court, doth put, place and bind unto said Michael Hearn William Mitchell an orphan aged nine years with the said Michael Hearn to live after the manner of an Apprentice and Servant until he shall attain the age of twenty one Years….And the said Michael Hearn doth covenant, promise, and agree with the said presiding Justice, that he will teach and instruct or cause to be taught and instructed, the said Apprentice to read and write, and also the art and mystery of a farmer.</B></I>" <BR>Contracts like this show how such dismal business was conducted during the early part of the 19th century. The document is in fine condition with only slight soiling on the upper quadrants, and expected fold lines. A nice lot of historical pieces that focus on some of the darker points of American history.