Description:

Slavery
Wilcox County, AL, April 6, 1858
1858 Petition to Force the Sale of 7 Slaves From an Alabama Estate
MD

2p manuscript petition calling for the sale of several enslaved persons to pay the debts of an estate in Alabama. Folio sheet joined at the top (measuring 8" x 12"), Wilcox County, Alabama, dated April 6, 1858. The document names at least seven different slaves, among them men, women, and children of various ages. Secretarial docketing present verso. Exhibits degrees of expected age toning and creasing throughout, with uneven dampstaining to far left margin. Minor splits at folds. Archival tape repairs to second sheet. Otherwise, very good.

The order, issued by the county's Probate Court regarding the estate of Charles P. Evans, reads in part: "…your petitioner would further represent that the following negroes have been placed in his possession by Mr. James Battle… of Mobile as the property of the said C. P. Evans to wit, Old Jack, Beck, Little Jack, Isabella & Alfred… Elsa or Eliza and her child Maria." The proceeds from the sale of these slaves were to be used to pay the debts of Evans' estate, which amassed a sum of over three thousand dollars.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 8" x 12"
  • Medium: MD

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July 16, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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