Explore Black History

1845

A bill of sale for the enslaved woman Laurett and her child Anne for $525 from the estate of John J. Lafar to Henry Baker in Charleston, South Carolina in 1845. The document is a pre-printed bill of sale form for the state of South Carolina that has been completed by hand in black ink by S.E. Lafar, administrator of John J. Lafar’s estate. At top right is [BILL OF SALE - Sold by John C. Hoff] and at top left is [THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA]. The body of the text reads in part: [I, / S. E. Lafar administratrix of / John J. Lafar / for and in consideration of the sum of Five Hundred and / Twenty-five Dollars / to me in hand paid, at and before the sealing and delivery of these / presents, by Henry C. Baker / (the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge) have bargained and / sold, and by these presents, do bargain, sell, and deliver to the said / Henry C. Baker A Negro Girl / named Laurett & her child / Anne Sold without warantee / of Soundness / To Have and to Hold the said Slaves - / unto the said Henry C. Baker his / Exectuors, Administrators and Assigns, to his and their only proiper use and /behoof, forever.]. The document is signed by [S.E. Lafar / Admtrx of John J Lafar] and witnessed by [G. Gerard]. There is a black stamp with the letters [L.S.] next to Lafar’s signature. Handwritten on the verso, which when folded appears as the front, is [S.E. Lafar / Administratrix / To / Henry C. Baker / Bill of Sale].

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Liljenquist Family Collection

Slavery and Freedom Objects
Documents and Manuscripts

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from the Liljenquist Family Collection

National Museum of African American History and Culture

2012.158.3

bills of sale

Public domain
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.

ink on paper

H x W: 13 x 18 15/16 in. (33 x 48.1 cm)

Object Name • Bill of sale for a woman, Laurett, and her daughter, Anne

nmaahc_2012.158.3

NMAAHC

BILL OF SALE FOR A WOMAN, LAURETT, AND HER DAUGHTER, ANNE

National Museum of African American History and Culture

CC0

1840s

Lafar, John Joseph • Baker, Henry C. • Lafar, S. E. • Hoff, John C.

Charleston County • Charleston • United States • North and Central America • South Carolina

Slavery • American South • Finance • Family • Domestic slave trade • Motherhood

City • Charleston • County • Charleston County • State • South Carolina • Country • United States • Continent • North and Central America

Images

No Known Copyright Restrictions