Written by
Clark, Thomas N., American, 1763 - 1847
Received by
Clark, James P., American, 1797 - 1863
Subject of
Phillips, Rhoda, American, 1831 - 1906
Unidentified Woman or Women
Unidentified Child or Children
Date
1832
Medium
ink on rag paper
Dimensions
H x W: 9 3/4 x 7 7/8 in. (24.8 x 20 cm)
Description
A handwritten document of black ink on rag paper recording the sale of two enslaved women, Nelly and Milley, and their respective children from Thomas A. Clark to James P. Clark. On one side, the document records the value of the enslaved persons being sold:
[Nelly and her four children
Washington......$200.00
Charles......$150.00
Andrew......$100.0
Malinda......$50.00
Nelly..........$350.00 - $850.00
Milley + Her two Daughters.... 550.00 - $1400.00].
The document then continues:
[Know all men by these present that I Thomas N Clark of the county of Roane State of Tennessee has this 23rd day of August one thousand eight hundred and thirty two bargained sold and delivered unto James P Clark of the county of Davidson and state aforesaid that the above names Negros to sell Nelly & her four children Washington, Charly, Andrew & Malinda / Milly and her two daughters Rhoda & Martha for the consideration of the sum of fourteen hundred dollars to me in hand paid the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge and I do hereby forward warrant and defend the right and title of the aforesaid Negroes to the said James P Clark his heirs and assigns from all and every claim.].
The document continues on the other side with the signature of Thomas N. Clark. In the center is [Mr. James P. Clark / Nashville]. There is also a later note stating:
[State of Tennessee
Roane County
The within bill of sale together with the probate there on is registered in the register’s office for Roane County in Book 78 page 709 Feb. 25th 1833
Henry H. Wiley
Register for Roane County].
Place made
Roane County, Tennessee, United States, North and Central America
Place used
Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee, United States, North and Central America
Classification
Slavery and Freedom Objects
Documents and Manuscripts
Type
bills of sale
Topic
Business
Children
Domestic slave trade
Families
Finance
Motherhood
Slavery
Women
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Object number
2012.151
Restrictions & Rights
Public domain
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd52d801e39-4d88-4b6b-a158-1e5548f0c98f

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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