Compton, Harry (fl. 1803) [Purchase of slave Kate and her three children by manumitted slave]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC08440 Author/Creator: Compton, Harry (fl. 1803) Place Written: Amwell Township, New Jersey Type: Document signed Date: 30 November 1803 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 32 x 19.2 cm. Order a Copy
Legal document for the purchase of the slave Kate and her three children Ben, Caleb, and Nancy. The purchaser was "a free African" named Harry Compton, of New Brunswick, New Jersey, and he left an "X" as his mark. It appears that Kate was Compton's wife and the three children belonged to them. The slaves were sold by their owner Anne Acker, of Amwell Township, New Jersey, for 100 dollars due in one year from the date of the document. Compton declared himself "a manumit & free from bondage to man or set of Men." Witnessed by John Johnson (who signed with an "X" as his mark), William Marts, and Jacob Hice. Note written in pencil on verso next to docket says: "This must be Anna Ackers real signature & refers to the same "Cate" for which a receipt was given in 1800. paying 45 pounds for the same now selling for $100."
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