On View
Slavery and Freedom Gallery
Exhibition
Slavery and Freedom
Created by
Boston, H. B.
Signed by
Bridgeman, Martin, American
Date
December 23, 1835; modified 1851
Medium
ink on paper
Dimensions
H x W: 10 1/2 x 7 in. (26.7 x 17.8 cm)
Description
An official copy receipt bill of sale for transferred ownership of "one Negro girl named Polly aged about sixteen years, yellow complexion and black eyes," from Martin Bridgeman to William H. Mood, both of Jackson County, Territory of Arkansas, for the sum of $600. The document is a single sheet, with handwritten black ink on both sides. It is dated December 23, 1835, and signed by Martin Bridgeman and witnessed by Thomas R. Paul and John Hall on the recto. On the verso is a note by the County Clerk of Montgomery County, Texas on recording sworn witness statements and signatures by Thomas R. Paul and John Hall, and entry into Montgomery County records, May 15, 1851. In the center of the verso is written [Martin Bridgman / Bill of Sale / To Wm. H Mood / Negro Girl Polley / $600 Fee paid].
Place made
Jackson County, Arkansas, United States, North and Central America
Place used
Montgomery County, Texas, United States, North and Central America
Classification
Slavery and Freedom Objects
Documents and Manuscripts
Type
bills of sale
Topic
American West
Children
Domestic slave trade
Fancy Girl trade
Finance
Slavery
U.S. History, 1815-1861
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Candace Greene
Object number
2009.47.1
Restrictions & Rights
Public domain
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd54361fceb-03fd-47f3-b5a7-e5e74b1cf287

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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