Collection Search

A Bill, to amend the act, intituled, "An act respecting fugitives from justice, and persons escaping from the service of their masters"

Same bill as GLC08058.01, with several amendments. Settles the penalty for knowingly harboring escaped slaves at $500 and requires those employing black labor to see a manumission paper. Says can avoid the penalty if the employer advertises a general...

GLC08058.02

[Deed of emancipation for a Negro named Harry].

GLC08211

[Document attesting the free status of Richard Jackson].

One document dated April 29, 1813. Pertains to Richard Jackson, a freedperson. The form is partially printed and filled out by Thomas Blake as a character witness. It states, "the said Richard became free in or before the year 1800." Validated by New...

GLC08251

A Discourse, Delivered April 12, 1797, at the request of and before the New-York Society ...

"... for promoting the manumission of slaves, and protecting such of them as have been or may be liberated. By...one of the Ministers of the United Presbyterian Churches in the City of New-York, and members of said society." New York: T. and J...

GLC09128

Office of Board of Claims/For Slaves enlisted in U. S. service...

State of Maryland. Compensation claim by Joshua Johnson for a slave, Thomas Johnson, he manumitted and enlisted as a USCT, United States Colored Troops. Partially printed document.

GLC09130.01

Proof of slave ownership

Proof of ownership by Joshua Johnson for the slave Thomas Johnson.

GLC09130.02

Minutes of the Proceedings of the Thirteenth American Convention for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery...

"Minutes of the Proceedings of the Thirteenth American Convention for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery, and Improving the Condition of the African Race Assembled at Philadelphia..." Reports on schools for African-Americans, kidnapping, arrests of...

GLC09328

to Amy [Anna] Richardson

Draft or retained copy of a letter to Anna Richardson, wife of Henry (refer to GLC07484.03). Accepts 150 pounds sterling for the manumission of Frederick Bailey (Frederick Douglass). Will present Richardson's agent with the papers as soon as the...

GLC07484.04

[Receipt for $25 related to the manumission of Frederick Douglass]

Meredith received $25 from Hugh Auld, Frederick Douglass's former owner, for "professional service in relation to the manumission of his negro slave Frederick Baily [Douglass]." Written on a quarter sheet of paper.

GLC07484.05

[Quaker Manumission]

"I Sarah Yeardley Widow of the township of Lower Makefield in Bucks County & Province of Pennsylvania do hereby set free from bondage, my Negroe Man Named Daniel Cuffy aged about fifty five years..." Partially printed with manuscript accomplishment.

GLC09071

[Last will and testament freeing a slave]

"In the name of God Amen I William Leaths of the City and province of New York Sadler being very Sick and weak in Body but of perfect mind & memory...ordaine this my last Will and Testament...I give & bequeath unto my Servant Wan the Spanish Indian...

GLC09102

[Manumission of a slave]

Appears to be a copy dated 2 January 1792, of a document written on 1 August 1791. Note at bottom signed by Thomas Edwards on 2 January 1792 says "An extract from the Deed recorded in the Northumberland District Court." Document says that Carter was...

GLC02448.04

to John Langdon

Written by New Hampshire Congressman Thompson to Langdon as Governor of New Hampshire. Says nothing of interest has occurred since the suspension of the non-importation law. Claims domestic issues take up most of their time. Has hope that...

GLC06545

[Manumission of a mulatto slave named Benjamin Harkimon (or Harkinson)]

Sends John B. Timberlake, bursar of the frigate United States commanded by Commodore Decatur, an official document freeing thirty-three-year-old Harkimon (or Harkinson), who was aboard the United States, with the stipulation that Harkimon pay $200...

GLC00340

[Deed of sale for two slaves]

Possibly a copy possibly written in the hand of Lewis Carbery. Deed of sale for slaves Eliza Jones & son Sam Jones for $170 to William Fowler. Eliza, age twenty-nine, and son Sam, sixteen months, were sold on condition that Eliza be freed on Ann...

GLC04294

to W. B. Todd

Custis, the adopted son (and step-grandson) of George Washington, writes to Todd in Washington, D.C. Recently read a letter stating, "from a prohibitory Law in the District of Columbia touching the hiring of Negro Slaves from Virginia in the...

GLC04989

[Certificate of manumission signed by Frederick County clerk, William Ritchie]

One certificate from William Ritchie dated Frederick County Court, May 7, 1807 addressed to the State of Maryland. Grants freedom to a formerly enslaved woman Jenny Maynard. States that this was drafted by Henry Maynard who granted her manumission...

GLC09775

to Robert Doak

One letter dated Shelby County, Ky, September 21, 1856 from Robert Doak to James Maguire, regarding the conditions of the will of Thomas Chambers. Has requested that enslaved people who worked for him should be freed and compensated $2,000. His...

GLC09710

Life and Times of Frederick Douglass

Life and Times of Frederick Douglass, is a biography of Frederick Douglass. This book is broken down into 41 chapters in two parts. There is also an appendix at the end of the book. There are 18 engravings throughout the book.

GLC09659

to John Andrew Shulze

Printed resolution from the Indiana State Legislature opposing an amendment to the United States Constitution proposed by the Georgia Legislature that would restrict the movement of free blacks and manumitted slaves. First page signed by Hendricks...

GLC04565

[Emancipation of Hiram, an enslaved man]

One document dated November 7, 1848. Pertains to the emancipation of Hiram, a 32-year-old enslaved man. His height, weight and facial scar is described. Signatures included Samuel Sawyer, William Morrison, and William H. Russell, James H. Bullard and...

GLC04128.01

[Check promising payment of $124]

Payne promises to pay the sum to Waddell, Russell, & Co. (William Bradford Waddell, William Hepburn Russell, and Alexander Majors).

GLC04128.02

[Witnessing 200 pound bond for manumission of slave]

Legal document for the posting of a bond for the manumission of the slave Ann. Signed as witnesses by the Aldermen and Justices of the Peace for the City and County of New York: John Cruger, Simon Johnson, Francis Gilpin, Philip Livingston (the...

GLC03943

to George Besore

Schneck asks for $300 to send a slave's wife and three children to Africa. The husband must also purchase his freedom for $1,500, but the Society is trying to raise money to assist in the transport itself. Written on behalf of the Colonization...

GLC04743

to unknown

Printed circular letter noting a court case decision, decreeing that an estate tax must still be paid on slaves who are manumitted as part of a last will and testament: "The bequests of freedom to the slaves, are legacies, and the executor liable for...

GLC04748

The speech of Charles Jas. Faulkner (of Berkeley) in the House of Delegates of Virginia, on the policy of the state with respect to her slave population: Delivered January 20, 1832.

Printed by Thomas W. White. Faulkner states, "... the evils of slavery stand confessed before us. The only question with a Virginia statesman, should be-- is there any remedy and what shall that remedy be?... although I am decidedly in favor of...

GLC05829

[Joseph Curtis's membership certificate for the New York society for promoting the Manumission of Slaves]

This document is a large printed certificate for Joseph Curtis, with seal, confirming that he is a member of the New York Society for Promoting the Manumission of Slaves. It it signed by Cadwallader Colden as President and William Van Hook as...

GLC05834

to unknown [in French]

Letter possibly written to Armand Duplantier on May 1, 1805. No date indicated on document. Lafayette discusses lands he was granted in the Louisiana territory and the building of a brick factory. In reference to the factory, he mentions thirty...

GLC05315

[Manumission of mulatto slave Robert Cowley from the estate of Peter Randolph]

Signed and sealed in the presence of Beverly Randolph, Martha Randolph, and James Rim. Randolph purchases the slave, Robert Cowley, from Peter Randolph, deceased, with the intention of freeing the slave. Cowley purchased his freedom from Randolph...

GLC05490

The history of the New-York African free-school, from their establishment in 1787, to the present time; embracing a period of more than forty years: also a brief account of the succesful labors of the New-York Manumission Society

Written by Andrews as the principal of the African Free School. Printed by Mahlon Day at 376 Pearl Street in New York. First edition copy. Includes engraving of the school building, from a drawing by a student, opposite the title page. Provides a...

GLC06084

Elihu Burritt's miscellaneous writings

Published by Thomas Drew, Jr. Printed wrappers with illustration, including a print of Burritt. Second edition. Includes the essay "Buying a Brother from Bondage" which describes the purchase of Frederick Douglass' freedom. Cover and some inner...

GLC06118

to William H. Tuck

A letter transmitting an excerpt of Virginia law on emancipation. Page one is an excerpt of the law "Old revised code of Virginia of 1800, cap. 103, section 36 - page 191 (which is the law of Alexa. County, D.C.)," lower half of page one is removed...

GLC06207

[Petition for the emancipation for Fanny and Patsy Woodson]

Official document reporting that since Cuffy Woodson was emancipated, he purchased his wife Fanny Woodson, "a mulatto woman," and her child Patsy from his former master Micajob Moorman. Cuffy "further represents to your worship that the sd. Fanny &...

GLC06592

to unknown

Encloses a letter (not included) from "an old woman, who with the rest of his negroes, was liberated by Mr. Alexander Donelson." Notes that the entire family, with the exception of the woman and her husband, left for Liberia. Her son and daughter...

GLC03317

to Silas Ketchum

Senator Sumner informs Ketchum, "Of course, I cannot identify the child to which you refer. There was a little girl quite white, a slave in Washington, whose freedom was purchased through my agency, & afterwards sent to Boston, where I presume she...

GLC03980

Middlesex County Virginia documents [Decimalized: .01-.85]

A collection of eighty seven documents, many regarding the slave trade in Middlesex County Virginia. Includes by-laws for Colored Ladies Lincoln Association and a document regarding a freeman emancipating an enslaved woman he intended to marry....

GLC03434

[Certificate of emancipation for Priscilla a negro woman]

Certificate stating that Benjamin West, a free negro, has bought the freedom of Priscilla, who will be his wife. "Benjamin West a free negro having purchased a negrowoman named Priscilla...Do hereby liberate and emancipate the said negrowoman...

GLC03434.04

[Manumission of Charlotte Robinson]

Emancipating Charlotte Robinson, as ordered in the will of Dr. George D. Spatt. Signed by Thomas M. Locke and Carter B. Berkeley, executors of the will of George Spratt. Also signed by George D. Nicolson, John Minor, Thomas Muse and Mr. Chew.

GLC03434.05

[Deed of emancipation for Daphne and her son]

Providing emancipation papers for his enslaved person, Daphne, and her son, James Corbin, due to "divers good causes and considerations." Also signed and attested by Overton Cosby.

GLC03434.06

[Manumission of Phoebe Miller]

One document emancipating Phoebe Miller in accordance with the will of George D. Spratt. Signed by Minor, Carter B. Berkley, Thomas M. Locke, George D. Nicolson and Jonathan Chew as executors of Spratt's estate. Signed and attested by Thomas Muse...

GLC03434.70

[Manumission of Robin Reeves]

One document emancipating Robin Reeves in accordance with the will of George D. Spratt. Signed by Minor, Carter B. Berkley, Thomas M. Locke, George D. Nicolson and Jonathan Chew as executors of Spratt's estate. Signed and attested by Thomas Muse...

GLC03434.71

[Manumission of Reeves Murray]

One document emancipating Reeves Murray in accordance with the will of George D. Spratt. Signed by Minor, Carter B. Berkley, Thomas M. Locke, George D. Nicolson and Jonathan Chew as executors of Spratt's estate. Signed and attested by Thomas Muse...

GLC03434.72

[Manumission of Maria Muse]

One document emancipating Maria Muse in accordance with the will of George D. Spratt. Signed by Minor, Carter B. Berkley, Thomas M. Locke, George D. Nicolson and Jonathan Chew as executors of Spratt's estate. Signed and attested by Thomas Muse as...

GLC03434.73

[Manumission of Beckey Murray]

One document emancipating Beckey Murray in accordance with the will of George D. Spratt. Signed by Minor, Carter B. Berkley, Thomas M. Locke, George D. Nicolson and Jonathan Chew as executors of Spratt's estate. Signed and attested by Thomas Muse...

GLC03434.74

[Manumission of Jacob Murray]

One document emancipating Jacob Murray in accordance with the will of Doctor George D. Spratt. Signed by Minor, Carter B. Berkley, Thomas M. Locke, George D. Nicolson and Jonathan Chew as executors of Spratt's estate. Signed and attested by Thomas...

GLC03434.75

[Purchase of slave Kate and her three children by manumitted slave]

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...

GLC08440

Six manumission documents for slaves [Decimalized .01-.06]

All from St. Louis County, Missouri.

GLC08564

[Deed of manumission for slave named Ester]

Signed by Keller stating, "I hereby emancipate & discharge from all obligation of service my slave named Ester aged about thirty nine years." Approved and certified by the St. Louis Circuit Court and signed by the clerk, John Ruland. With seal of...

GLC08564.01

[Deed of manumission of slave Polly]

Emancipation document of Lucas's "negro woman Polly." Lists who she was brought from and who she was raised by. Witnessed by Charles D. Drake and Wilson Primm. Approved and certified by the St. Louis Circuit Court and signed by the clerk, John...

GLC08564.02

[Deed of manumission for slave Ophelia]

Document signed by Rene Paul emancipating his slave Ophelia on the condition that she remain as a servant. "...hereby do manumit and let free from slavery, my negro girl O'phelia, aged about three years, on condition...Ophelia...shall remain with me...

GLC08564.03

[Deed of manumission for slave Ann Simms]

Emancipation of a 23 year old female slave owned by Colonel John R. White and described as "of an orange color and about five feet seven inches in height." Lists her history and who he bought her from. Signed by three witnesses. Approved and...

GLC08564.04

[Deed of manumission for slave Rose Dixon]

McCune signs the emancipation of his female slave named Rose Dixon upon reaching 24 years of age. Sites the reason for emancipation as her mother Martha's faithful service. States that Rose will be free April 1873 after finishing her term of...

GLC08564.05

[Deed of manumission for slave Susan Reilly]

Blaine emancipates his slave Susan, "being an able bodied healthy woman now about forty two years of age..." Approved and certified by the St. Louis Circuit Court and signed by the clerk, Stephen Rice. With seal of the court. Docketed by clerk.

GLC08564.06

Pennsylvania Packet or the general advertiser. [Vol. 3, no. 117 (January 17, 1774)]

Prints on page two an account on the manumission of slaves calculating what the estimated costs would be to pay for the manumission of all slaves in the Colony. Also includes news from New York, Boston, and Philadelphia and public postings.

GLC08689

to Craig Langford re: Kentucky master negotiating sale of family to former slave

The former slave wants to buy his wife and daughter out of slavery. According to GLC 6733.04, Liberty may be Craig's father.

GLC06733.01

to Craig Langford re: negotiating sale of family to former slave

"I would give you more time... but I do not know at what time James may be here and run some of them off and sell them..."

GLC06733.02

Extending deadline to raise the money

GLC06733.03

to Jesse Stubbs re: helping fugitive slaves escape (the Langford family)

GLC06733.04

Printed biography mentioning the Langford story

Some details vary.

GLC06733.05

to Edmund Pendleton re: waiting foreign dispatches on peace talks; selling slave

Awaiting news of peace talks and personal advice regarding impossibility of selling a slave. Madison notes that while European newspapers "teem with paragraphs relative to pacific negotiations" but past British policy "should always restrain our...

GLC06757

General Assembly. State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantation [with seal]

Printed by John Carter. Stab-stitched. Contains act freeing Quaco, a former slave, as reward for providing information about Newport after it had been seized by the British (pp. 4-5). We know of four African-American Spies, one for the British in...

GLC06066

Document re: emancipating his slaves

GLC07774