Created by
Burke, A. J., American, born 1817
Written by
Grist, Benjamin H., American, 1786 - 1869
Subject of
Lamb, David W., American
Date
1858
Medium
iron gall ink on laid rag paper
Dimensions
H x W (Folded): 13 15/16 × 8 9/16 in. (35.4 × 21.8 cm)
H x W (Unfolded estimate): 13 15/16 × 17 3/16 in. (35.4 × 43.6 cm)
Description
A bill of sale for a man named Will from Benjamin H. Grist to David W. Lamb for the sum of $1,285.32, with approximately half of that cost being due January 1, 1859. The document is a letterpress printed form entitled [MORTGAGE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY - Printed and sold by A.J. Burke, 40 Broad St.] at the top right corner. The document begins with large decorative text reading [The State of South Carolina] and [TO ALL WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME]. The form is completed with cursive script in black ink. The paper is folded in half, with the legal language taking up the front and back of the first page. Henry Brist signed at bottom left of the second page, and Benjamin H. Grist signed on the bottom right of that page. On the third page is written testimony by Charles Macbeth confirming that Henry Brist swore that he witnessed Benjamin H. Grist sign the mortgage. Paper is machine-made with overall blue pigment. There is discoloration along fold lines and edges. On the back, which when folded serves as the front, the document is labeled Benjamin H. Grist / mortgage / of / slave Will / to / David W. Lamb].
Place depicted
South Carolina, United States, North and Central America
Collection title
Liljenquist Family Collection
Classification
Slavery and Freedom Objects
Documents and Manuscripts
Type
mortgages
bills of sale
Topic
Domestic slave trade
Finance
Men
U.S. History, 1815-1861
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Liljenquist Family
Object number
2019.26.8
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5261f0f52-c410-4413-b74a-54c4751457c0

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

Share this page