Written by
Unidentified
Subject of
Walker, William, English
Signed by
Gunston, John, English
Gunston, Joan, English
Gunston, Ursula, English
Warren, Thomas, English
Bulkeley, William, English
Manby, James, English
Date
March 28, 1685
Medium
ink on vellum
Dimensions
H x W: 20 3/8 × 28 1/8 in. (51.8 × 71.4 cm)
Description
An estate indenture concerning the Barbados plantation and property, including enslaved persons, of Captain Thomas Gunston. The property is being transferred from Gunston’s widow “Ursula Gunston” to his nephew and niece, (“John Gunston”) and (“Joan Gunston Spinster”), facilitated by William Walker, for the price of seven hundred [700] pounds. The top of the single sheet document is scalloped, the upper left corner is embellished with ornamental text reading [The Indenture], and the bottom of the document has the signatures of John and Joan Gunston with hanging wax seals and paper ribbons attached.
The document begins “This Indenture made the Eight and Twentieth day of March In the first yeare of the reined of our Sovereign Lord James the second by the grace / of God of England Scottland Ffrance and Ireland King defender of the faith Anno Dni 1685 Betweene John Gunston and Joan Gunston Spinster both of Taunton Deane / in the county of Somersett Nephew and Niece Captain Thomas Gunston late of the parish of St. George in the island of Barbados (illegible) on the one part And William Walker / Cittizen and Ironmonger of London of the other part Withnesseth that they the said John Gunston and Joan Gunston as well for and in consideration of the summe of Seven / hundred pounds of lawfull money of England to them in hand payd by the said William Walker…”
The middle of the document mentions the ownership and transfer of property including enslaved persons: "togeather with the moyety of all houses Edifices Mills Ingenios Copper Stills Woods Underwoods Timber Timber Trees And Negroe Slaves upon the said Lands or Plantac[[i]]on being...”
Written on the back side of the document at center is “28th March 1684 / Mr Jhn Gunston & Mrs Joan Gunston Conveyance / to Mr. William Walker.” On the back in the upper left corner is a small summary of the exchange of funds with witness signatures. In the upper right corner is a statement of understanding signed by Ursula Gunston. Witness signatures and a small wax seal stamp are also present.
Transcription Center Status
Transcription Available
Place depicted
Somerset County, England, Europe
Saint George, Barbados, Caribbean, North and Central America
Classification
Slavery and Freedom Objects
Documents and Manuscripts
Type
indentures
Topic
British colonialism
Colonialism
Finance
Slavery
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Object number
2010.1.316
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5a07eae1b-01eb-4dbf-82cc-01a6005e3ae1

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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