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Livingston, Philip (1716-1778) [Bill of sale for two slaves sold to Rieneer Van Giesen]

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01775 Author/Creator: Livingston, Philip (1716-1778) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Document signed Date: 29 November 1760 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 30.8 x 19.3 cm. Order a Copy

Bill of sale for two slaves of Philip Livingston, the well known merchant, Continental Congressman, and signer of the Declaration of Independence. Cosigned by his son Philip Philip Livingston and by Richard Jeffery Jr. as witnesses. Livingston sold "One Negro Wench named Jen about Twenty four Years Old," and "a negro Girl named Hannah" for 100 pounds of Provincial New York currency to Rieneer Van Giesen of New Jersey. Seal is next to Livingston's signature.

Riener (also spelled Rynier, Reynier, or Rieneer, as it is in this letter) Van Giesen was a member of a prominent New Jersey family. Richard Jeffery, Jr. may have been the New Jersey mariner who was the captain of the "Brilliant."

Know all Men by these Presents that I Philip Livingston of the City of New York Merchant for and in Consideration of the sum of One Hundred Pounds Currant money of the Province of New York to me in hand paid by Rieneer Van Giesen of the Province of New Jersey the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge Have Granted, Bargained and Sold and by these Presents do grant Bargain & Sell to the said Rieneer Van Giesen one Negro wench named Jen about Twenty four Years Old & also a negro Girl named Hannah. To have & to Hold the said Jen & Hannah unto the said Rieneer Van Giesen his Executors Administrators & assigns [strikeout] to the only proper use & Behoof of him the said Rieneer Van Giesen his Executors Administrators and assigns for ever, And I the said Philip Livingston for myself my Executors and Administrators, the said Jen & Hannah unto the said Rieneer Van Giesen his Executors Administrators & assigns against me my Executors & assigns and against all and every Person or Persons whatsoever shall and will warrant and for ever defend By these Presents. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this 29th Day of November 1760.

Sealed & Delivered Phil. Livingston
In Presence of
Richd. Jeffery Junr
Ph. Ph. Livingston

[docket]
Philip Livingston's Bill of Sale

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