[Deed of Gift for Enslaved Persons]

Published by Granville County, North Carolina, 1859

Two documents, both around 12 " x 8" and folded at center: one bifolia with [1] p. text and endorsement verso + [1] p. list with brief verso note. Very good: expected creases; light edge wear and a few faint spots. This is a rare and vivid survival, documenting the passing on of enslaved African Americans within a white family in the South. In this deed of gift, one William Fleming of a northern border county of North Carolina, "in consideration of the natural love and affection which I have unto my son John" (plus "the sum of one dollar to me") bestows onto him "all of the negroes following to wit," named Benjamin, Mary "and her three children viz Polley Amandy and Pompy . . . and all of their increase." A separate sheet lists "the ages of negroes," noting that "Ben was born 1814," Mary in 1831, and the three named children ranged at the date of the deed from seven months to five years old. There are names and birth years (or full dates) for eight others enslaved, including a few that would have been "their increase." Important documentation of the scourge of slavery in the South. Seller Inventory # 8051

Bibliographic Details

Title: [Deed of Gift for Enslaved Persons]
Publisher: Granville County, North Carolina
Publication Date: 1859
Condition: Very good