Subject: Slave trade

Single-page printed bill of sale documenting the sale of three enslaved individuals—Fanny and her two children, Martha and William—for $575, and Sally for $425. The seller, Solomon Davis, a Jewish slave dealer from Richmond, Virginia, filled out and signed the document on February 12, 1848. The buyer was Thomas R. Williams. The sale took place in Charleston, South Carolina. This document highlights the involvement of Jewish individuals in the American slave trade.

Partially printed bill of sale, 8 x 13.25 inches, Charleston, South Carolina, March 4, 1847. Documents the sale of an enslaved woman named Chloe by Solomon Davis to Mary Kennedy for $430.00. The verso records the subsequent sale of Chloe by Kennedy to Henry Willis for $275.00 on September 1, 1847, with Thomas W. Mordecai witnessing the transaction as an officer of the court. This bill of sale highlights the involvement of Jewish slave traders in the American South.

Bill of sale detailing the sale of 25 boxes of spermaceti candles and boxes of paper from Aaron Lopez to William and Samuel Vernon. The document lists each box separately, totaling 1,843 pounds sterling. Dated January 8, 1770, in Newport, Rhode Island.

Billhead from the firm Davis, Abrahams & Lyons located at 13 Sycamore Street, Petersburg, Virginia. Dated 1859. The Davis family of Petersburg were large slave dealers; see the accompanying Davis bill of sale for slaves.

Billhead from George Davis & Co., located at 39 Bollgbrook St., Petersburg, Virginia, dated July 27, 1874. The billhead indicates the business was involved in slave trading before the Civil War. David Davis, son of George Davis, is listed on the billhead. Printed by Binswanger.

A one and three-quarter page business letter from David Judah & Co. in Richmond, Virginia to T. I. Tobias & Co. in New York, New York, dated April 27, 1824. The letter details business transactions, including debts and payments, mentioning a significant sum of $3,000 owed to Mr. Marx (approximately $80,000 in 2019).

This newspaper clipping from the Charleston Mercury, published April 6, 1855, in Charleston, South Carolina, features a prominent advertisement for D.J. & G.J. Levy's Southern Clothing Emporium and a notice of Marx Cohen's sale of thirty enslaved people, along with his plantation and brickyard. The Levy advertisement includes a lithographic illustration of their store at 288 King Street.

This legal document, dated August 27, 1752, is a contract between Moses Levy and William Vernon outlining a partnership for the construction of a ship in Swansea, Massachusetts. The contract, written in Newport, Rhode Island, details payment terms involving cash, West India goods, and European goods. The document provides insight into the business practices of the time and the involvement of prominent figures in colonial America.

Deed of sale for an enslaved female for $1500, from Isaac Levy to George B. Shepherd in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, dated November 7, 1855, and recorded November 19, 1855. The deed provides details of the sale and identifies the enslaved person.

Deed of sale for an enslaved woman, dated May 22, 1855, in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana. The deed, executed by Isaac Levy, records the sale for $1500.

Manuscript expense account detailing the costs of suppressing a rebellion of enslaved people in Jamaica in 1705. The document lists individuals and the amounts they paid towards the military expenses, including Aaron Portello, Simon Pasco, and Joseph Desilva. Signed by Thomas Wood, General of the Island. This document is significant for its potential connection to early Jewish settlers in Jamaica and their involvement (however indirect) in the slave trade.

A ledger sheet detailing 25 commercial transactions between Aaron Lopez and the Vernon brothers (William and Samuel) in Newport, Rhode Island, from June 23, 1766, to March 24, 1767. The transactions involve the purchase and sale of goods such as West Indies rum, tea, linseed oil, and candles, totaling 11,010 pounds sterling in purchases and 8,344 pounds sterling in sales, resulting in a balance owed of 2,665 pounds sterling. This document provides a detailed record of commerce between two prominent colonial merchants.

Receipt detailing expenses to supply the Brig Polly, shared equally between William Vernon and Moses Levy. The document suggests a partnership between Vernon and Levy, with each contributing 300 pounds. The Brig Polly was involved in the slave trade. This receipt was likely created in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on December 2, 1752.

Receipt or letter documenting the sale of 20 shares of stock for Rudolph Sieling, as trustee, by H. H. DeLeon on April 15, 1880, in Charleston, South Carolina. The letterhead indicates that the business, H. H. DeLeon, Bonds, Stocks, Coupons, Gold, Bank Notes and Real Estate Bought and Sold, was closed on Saturdays. The document measures approximately 6 x 9 1/2 inches.

Ledger sheet detailing sales transactions from Aaron Lopez to S. & W. Vernon. The record covers March 1767 through April 1768 and lists various goods including candles, whale oil, wine, beef, flour, tea, logs, linseed oil, and labor. The total sales exceed 30,300 pounds sterling. The sheet measures 11 3/4" x 11 1/4".

Ledger sheet detailing accounts between Naphtali Hart & Company and Thomas Vernon in Newport, Rhode Island, from January 8, 1757, to May 1763. The ledger includes entries related to the slave trade, maritime commerce, and transactions with various individuals and businesses, offering insights into commercial activities in Newport during this period.

Ledger sheet detailing the account of Aaron Lopez with James Lucena, dated September 12, 1763. The account includes items such as tobacco, broadcloth, duties on sugar and snuff, spermaceti, and carriage on board. The sheet is signed by James Lucena. The verso contains a further account of Mr. Aaron Lopez from James Lucena, settled on the same date. Provides insight into the mercantile activities of Aaron Lopez in the mid-18th century.

Ledger sheet detailing the account of Solomon Cohen with Hill Dickinson & Co., Augusta, Georgia, dated February 25, 1863. This document records the transaction for 16 slaves and includes payments to Jacob Davis of Petersburg, VA. Solomon Cohen is listed in Augusta and Atlanta. This is considered an important record related to Jewish slave traders in the American South.

A brief letter written by A. H. Bund from Graham, North Carolina, to an unidentified recipient in Richmond, Virginia, dated April 25, 1860. The letter mentions a "very dull negro market." The Davis family of Richmond, known slave dealers, are referenced. The letter is part of the collection Arc.MS.56, Box 7, Folder 3.

This archival item is a letter written by David Judah to Edward Pollock on March 11, 1823, in Richmond, Virginia. The letter pertains to commerce and reflects the close business relationship between Judah and Pollock. The letter was sent without a stamp. David Judah was an auctioneer who dealt in slaves. An advertisement for a Jewish-owned business in Richmond, featuring David Judah, Edward Pollock, and Tobias L. Tobias, appeared in the Richmond Enquirer on July 5, 1822.

A one-page, stampless business letter from David Judah in Richmond, Virginia to T. I. Tobias & Co. in New York City, dated April 22, 1824. The letter discusses sales, finances, and the ill health of both the writer and recipient.

Two-page business letter from David Judah in Richmond, Virginia to T. I. Tobias in New York City, dated January 27, 1824. The letter discusses business sales and includes personal details about family, supper, and drink. The letter shows damage.

A business letter written by H. H. DeLeon, a broker in Charleston, South Carolina, to Annie Lena Wannamaker on April 26, 1880. The letter appears to be a receipt or communication related to financial transactions. The letterhead indicates that H. H. DeLeon conducted business in bonds, stocks, coupons, and real estate. A note on the letter indicates the business was closed on Saturdays.

A three-and-a-half-page letter written by J. Hamilton Criper near Darien, Georgia, to Francis P. Cubin on October 4, 1855. The letter discusses the sale of slaves and mentions Jacob Cohen, a prominent slave dealer in Charleston, South Carolina, who appraised the slaves. The letter highlights Cohen's significant role in the slave trade.

Two-page letter from Jacob Rodriguez Rivera, a Sephardic Jewish merchant and slave trader in Newport, Rhode Island, to Captain Nathaniel Briggs. The letter, dated September 13 and October 14, 1785, discusses the slave trade, including details about recent slave voyages, pricing, and the sale of slaves in South Carolina. The letter was sent via Captain DeWolf of the brig Enterprise, and is a copy of an earlier letter sent via Captain Duncan of the brig Peggy. The letter reveals details about the operations and profitability of the transatlantic slave trade.

Letter dated March 10, 1753, written in Newport, Rhode Island by W. Michael Bland to Brigg & Polly. This letter pertains to an insurance claim on the slave ship Polly, which had 73 slaves aboard and was expected to sell in Jamaica. The letter mentions Moses Levy as a half-owner in the ship's venture.

Manuscript invoice documenting the sale of 35 boxes of spermaceti whale candles from Aaron Lopez to Samuel and William Vernon on March 24, 1767, in Newport, Rhode Island. The receipt mentions the ship 'Brig Othello', owned by the Vernon brothers, and includes the GR + Crown symbol of King George. The verso contains additional details of the transaction.

Manuscript receipt issued to Isaac Elizer in Newport, Rhode Island on December 1, 1786. The receipt mentions Elizer's past as a slave trader, his naturalization in New York City in 1763, his partnership with Samuel Moses, and his wife, Richa Isaacs. It also notes his impoverished death.

Partially printed legal document from New Orleans, Louisiana, attesting to the sale of an enslaved woman to Isaac Bloom on August 7, 1858. The document details the woman's age (approximately 31), her medical condition (chronic swelling and ulceration of the legs), and the sale price ($850, with a down payment of $500 and the remaining $350 paid over time). The document also includes the consent of the seller's wife, Rosanna Marks.

This manuscript, composed by Daniel de Medina, likely copied in the early 19th century from a 1740 original, examines maritime commerce between Spain and its American colonies. It details methods for protecting trade from pirates, the slave trade via foreign entrepreneurs, trade between the American colonies and the Philippines, competition with England and Holland, and strategies to maintain Spain's trade monopoly. Medina, as suggested by the text, was likely a member of the Creole-Spanish elite in Cuba. The manuscript consists of 17 leaves and measures 19.5 cm. It is in very good condition, showing minor stains and its original leather binding.

A pamphlet alleging instructions by Judah P. Benjamin regarding the secret purpose of rebellion to revive the international slave trade. Intercepted instructions to L.Q.C. Lamar are mentioned. The pamphlet, dated 1863, was printed by C. Sherman. WorldCat lists numerous copies of this pamphlet, which is likely a hoax.

This pamphlet, printed by C. Sherman in 1863, alleges to present intercepted instructions from Judah P. Benjamin, Confederate Secretary of State, to L.Q.C. Lamar, Confederate minister to Russia. The instructions detail resisting any treaty obligating the Confederacy to outlaw the international slave trade. Benjamin argued that this power resided with individual states, not the federal government. The pamphlet includes editorials from the National Intelligencer, a Washington D.C. newspaper, asserting the letters' authenticity and claiming the Confederacy aimed to revive the international slave trade. WorldCat lists numerous copies of this pamphlet. The authenticity of the letters is questionable and may be a hoax.

A page from the receipt book of Samuel Vernon. This receipt, dated November 18, 1746, is signed by Naphtali Hart and acknowledges receipt of 100 pounds as partial payment for the use of the sloop Molly, captained by James Cahoone. The sloop Molly was a privateer and slaver owned by the Vernons. The receipt may be entirely in Hart's handwriting.

A signed receipt dated August 24, 1769, from Aaron Lopez for 15 boxes of spermaceti candles sold to William Vernon. The receipt is associated with the prominent Newport, Rhode Island merchant Aaron Lopez and the Vernon brothers, significant figures in the colonial-era slave trade.

Printed receipt for the sale of an enslaved person named Bella, age 11, for $940. The receipt is signed by M. Cohen and dated September 2, 1832, in Savannah, Georgia. This document offers valuable insight into the little-documented practice of Jewish involvement in the slave trade in the antebellum South.

A receipt documenting the sale of an enslaved woman, Dina, by an unknown seller to Harris Levy for $400 in Butler, Georgia on March 14, 1863. The receipt specifies Dina's age (approximately 75 years old) and physical description. The document includes the signatures of the seller (initials W.M. and an illegible last name) and Sergeant D.O. Smith, N.P.

Receipt documenting the sale of two enslaved individuals, Scott (approximately 28 years old) and Antoinette (approximately 24 years old), for $2,500. Dated May 10, 1858, the receipt was issued by Benjamin Mordecai, a prominent Charleston slave trader, to T.B. Taylor. The receipt guarantees the health and freedom from claims of the enslaved individuals. The document is signed by Benjamin Davis. It measures 4" x 8".

A signed receipt from Aaron Lopez, a prominent Jewish merchant in Newport, Rhode Island, to William and Samuel Vernon for 250 bushels of salt. Dated April 26, 1771. The Vernons were major slave traders. This receipt provides insight into the commercial activities of Lopez and the interconnectedness of the transatlantic slave trade with other mercantile enterprises in colonial America.

Autograph document signed by Aaron Lopez. Verso also bears the notation, “Negro boy sale £960”. One page, measuring 12 1/2 x 7 1/2 inches. Newport, Rhode Island, April 18, 1770. This receipt settles accounts between Lopez and John Nicole, Jr. of Newport. Lopez's total expenditures amounted to £1160, a portion of which was paid to the captains of the brig Industry and sloop George. Lopez's ships frequently participated in the transatlantic triangular trade, exchanging New England goods for slaves in Africa, who were then sold in the West Indies (and the Carolinas) to acquire goods for re-export to New England. The document shows light toning, creasing, random ink stains, bleed-through, uneven and torn edges, rounded corners, and vertical folds. Despite these imperfections, it is in fine condition.

Autograph document (unsigned) from Aaron Lopez, spanning two pages (7 1/2 x 12 inches). Written in Newport, Rhode Island on August 20, 1766, this letter provides sailing orders to Captain Nathaniel Briggs of the brig Sally. The orders detail the sale of the ship's cargo, instructions for managing the proceeds, and explicit directions to acquire and sell slaves in Africa, the West Indies, and Jamaica. The letter also alludes to Lopez's extensive network of contacts across various locations, including the Falkland Islands, the West Indies, Madeira, Lisbon, Gibraltar, Cadiz, and Barbados.

A government slave shipment form dated June 19, 1860, documenting the transportation of four enslaved individuals from Savannah, Georgia, to New York, New York, aboard the ship Augusta. The form certifies that the enslaved individuals were not imported after 1808 and details their owners, Abraham Minis, M. I. Cohen, and I. A. Winkler, all Jewish merchants. The document measures 18.5" x 13.75" unfolded. It includes details about each enslaved person, including their sex, age, height, and description.

Shipping record detailing insurance for the schooner Charming Sally bound for Georgetown, South Carolina, on October 16, 1787. The policy was written by Isaac Elizer, a Newport, Rhode Island merchant shipper involved in the slave trade. The record includes information on the vessel, cargo, and insurance details.

Manuscript ledger sheet detailing the partnership between Moses Levy and William Vernon for outfitting the sloop Polly in Newport, Rhode Island on June 1, 1751. The document shows a 50/50 cost share between Levy and Vernon for outfitting the vessel. Vernon is noted as the largest slaver in the Americas. The Sloop Polly is a listed slave ship.

Printed receipt for the sale of an enslaved person named Lucie. The receipt, dated November 8, 1864, was issued by Solomon Cohen, a slave dealer in Augusta, Georgia. The buyer was Deighen & Baker. The receipt states that six thousand dollars were paid in full for the purchase of the enslaved person. Solomon Cohen's business address is listed as Ellis Street, Augusta, GA. This document is noted as rare and is referenced in Bertram Korn's *Jews & Negro Slavery in the Old South*, page 45. A similar document sold at auction for $9,585.

This pamphlet, published in Philadelphia in 1863 by C. Sherman, Son & Co., alleges that the secret purpose of the Confederate rebellion was to revive the international slave trade. It purports to reveal intercepted instructions to L.Q.C. Lamar, detailing plans to circumvent treaty stipulations against the slave trade with European powers. Authorship is attributed to Judah P. Benjamin, though the authenticity of the document is questionable. The pamphlet reflects the anxieties and propaganda surrounding the American Civil War.

This 1863 pamphlet alleges that the Confederacy's secret aim was to revive the international slave trade, citing purported intercepted instructions to L.Q.C. Lamar. The pamphlet attributes these instructions to Judah P. Benjamin, though its authenticity is questionable. Printed in Philadelphia by C. Sherman, this pamphlet reflects the anxieties and misinformation surrounding the Civil War and its implications for slavery.

Pamphlet titled "The African slave trade: the secret purpose of the insurgents to revive it. No treaty stipulations against the slave trade to be entered into with the European powers... intercepted instructions to L.Q.C. Lamar; insures reader that the secret purpose of rebellion is to revive international slave trade." Alleged instructions by Judah P. Benjamin, possibly a hoax. Printed in 1863 by C. Sherman. WorldCat lists numerous copies.

Pamphlet alleging instructions by Judah P. Benjamin regarding the revival of the international slave trade, likely a hoax. Printed by C. Sherman in 1863. The pamphlet claims that the secret purpose of the rebellion is to reinstate the international slave trade and warns against treaty stipulations against it with European powers. WorldCat lists numerous copies of this pamphlet.

Trade card advertising the slave trading business of Davis, Deupree & Co. in Richmond, Virginia. The card reads: "DAVIS, DEUPREE, & CO., will give their entire attention to the sale of Negros, publicly and privately, Odd Fellows' Hall, corner of Mayo and Franklin Street." This rare card is the only known card from R. H. Davis, a member of a Jewish family of slave dealers based in Richmond. Robert H. Davis and William S. Deupree opened their “Negro Bazaar” auction rooms in Richmond’s Odd Fellows Hall in 1859. The firm was short-lived, bankrupted early in the Civil War. The card is printed on glossy stock and is estimated to date from circa 1850-1855. The Davis family were well-known slave dealers in Petersburg and Richmond, Virginia, with the first generation (Benjamin, Ansley, George, and Solomon Davis) selling slaves beginning in 1838.