Database of Mount Vernon's Enslaved Community

Male

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If I can sell the Negroes I mention’d to you by private Sale I will—but the Best way of Sellg is at Publick Sale

Male

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…with regard to Sellg the Negroes Mention'd, you have put it out of my power, by saying you would not sell them without their Consent...unless I was to make a Publick Sale of those Negroes & pay no regard to their being Willing or not, I see no probability of sellg them—but this is a matter that may be fixd when I see you, I believe the price of them will keep up at least for this Summer…

Male

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you again say you wish to get quit of negroes, before the rect of this you will find that in a former Letter I have desired that you will tell me in plain terms, whether I shall sell your Negroes at Publick sale or not, & how many of them & indeed Who.

Male

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To Cash for the Following Negroes. Abram, Orford, Tom, Jack, Ede, Fattimore, Phillis, Bett & Jenny 2303..19..0

Male

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By Cash for the Followg Negroes Abram, Orford, Tom, Jack, Ede, Fattimore, Phillis, Bett & Jenny 2303..19..0

Male

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The advantages resulting from the sale of my negroes, I have very little doubt of; because, as I observed in my last, if we should ultimately prove unsuccessful (of which I am under no apprehension unless it falls on us as a punishment for our want of public, & indeed private virtue) it would be a matter of very little consequence to me, whether my property is in Negroes, or loan office Certificates, as I shall neither ask for, nor expect any favor from his most gracious Majesty, nor any person acting under his authority; the only points therefore for me to consider, are—first, whether it would be most to my interest, in case of a fortunate determination of the present contest, to have negroes, and the Crops they will make; or the sum they will now fetch and the interest of the money. And, secondly, the critical moment to make this sale With respect to the first point (if a negro man will sell at, or near one thousand pounds, and women & children in proportion) I have not the smallest doubt on which side the balance, placed in the scale of interest, will preponderate: My scruples arise from a reluctance in offering these people at public vendue, and on account of the uncertainty of timeing the sale well—In the first case, if these poor wretches are to be held in a state of slavery, I do not see that a change of masters will render it more irksome, provided husband & wife, and Parents & children are not separated from each other, which is not my intention to do. And with respect to the second, the judgment, founded in a knowledge of circumstances, is the only criterion for determining when the tide of depreciation is at an end; for like the flux & reflux of the water, it will no sooner have got to its full ebb or flow, but an immediate turn takes place, and every thing runs in a contrary direction. To hit this critical moment then, is the point; and a point of so much nicety, that the longer I reflect upon the subject, the more embarrassed I am in my opinion; for if a sale takes place while the money is in a depreciating state—that is, before it has arrived at the lowest ebb of depreciation; I shall lose the difference—and if it is delayed, ’till some great & important event shall give a decisive turn in favor of our affairs, it may be too late. Notwithstanding, upon a full consideration of the whole matter; if you have done nothing in consequence of my last letter, I wou’d have you wait ’till you hear further from me on this subject. I will, in the meanwhile, revolve the matter in my mind more fully, and may possibly be better able to draw some more precise conclusions than at present; while you may be employed in endeavouring to ascertain the highest prices Negroes sell at, in different parts of the Country—where, and in what manner it would be best to sell them, when such a measure is adopted, (which I think will very likely happen in the course of a few months.)

Female

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Memorandum of the Sale of the Negores &c. at Washingtons Bottom Octr 5th 1786 Simon. To Bazil & Thomas Brown P Bond £100..0..[0] Joe. To Ephraim Douglass Esqr £81..0..[0] Allice. To Do Do [Ephraim Douglass Esqr] 70..15..[0] Dorcas. To Do Do [Ephraim Douglass Esqr] 13..15..[0] P Bond James Hammond Surety [Total] 165..10..[0] Lydia. To Peter Patterson & Thos Patterson surety 45..10..[0] Nance & Young Child. to James Hammond, Ephraim Douglass surety 80..5..[0] Tom & Charity The Twins. To Samuel Burns, William Sunderland Surety 27..10..[0] …Thomas Freeman

Male

Cultivator of the Soil

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To be SOLD for ready money, at Rover's Delight in Fairfax county, on Monday the 23d inst. (October) A TRACT of valuable LAND in said county, lying on Potowmack river; adjoining to the land on which the subscriber now keeps ferry, and very fit for farming. On the premises is a large barn, 60 feet by 30, framed and shingled; eight framed barracks 26 feet square, a large corn-house, and sundry other houses, with a good fishery appertaining. At the same time and place, and upon the same terms, will likewise be sold about twenty-five choice SLAVES, consisting of men, women, and children. Also sundry horses, cattle, sheep, and hogs; together with various kinds of household furnishing and implements of husbandry. The money arising from the sales to be paid into the hands of George Washington, Esq; JOHN POSEY

Male

Cultivator of the Soil

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To be SOLD for ready money, at Rover's Delight in Fairfax county, on Monday the 23d inst. (October) A TRACT of valuable LAND in said county, lying on Potowmack river; adjoining to the land on which the subscriber now keeps ferry, and very fit for farming. On the premises is a large barn, 60 feet by 30, framed and shingled; eight framed barracks 26 feet square, a large corn-house, and sundry other houses, with a good fishery appertaining. At the same time and place, and upon the same terms, will likewise be sold about twenty-five choice SLAVES, consisting of men, women, and children. Also sundry horses, cattle, sheep, and hogs; together with various kinds of household furnishing and implements of husbandry. The money arising from the sales to be paid into the hands of George Washington, Esq; JOHN POSEY

Female

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If I can sell the Negroes I mention’d to you by private Sale I will—but the Best way of Sellg is at Publick Sale

Female

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...with regard to Sellg [Selling] the Negroes Mention’d, you have put it out of my power, by saying you woud not sell them without their Consent—I was very near Sellg Bett, indeed I had sold her for 200£ to a man Liveg in Bottetourt Cty, But her Mother appeard to be so uneasy about it, and Bett herself made such promises of amendment, that I coud not Force her to go with the Man…

Female

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…with regard to Sellg the Negroes Mention'd, you have put it out of my power, by saying you would not sell them without their Consent...unless I was to make a Publick Sale of those Negroes & pay no regard to their being Willing or not, I see no probability of sellg them—but this is a matter that may be fixd when I see you, I believe the price of them will keep up at least for this Summer…

Female

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you again say you wish to get quit of negroes, before the rect of this you will find that in a former Letter I have desired that you will tell me in plain terms, whether I shall sell your Negroes at Publick sale or not, & how many of them & indeed Who.

Female

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To Cash for the Following Negroes. Abram, Orford, Tom, Jack, Ede, Fattimore, Phillis, Bett & Jenny 2303..19..0

Female

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By Cash for the Followg Negroes Abram, Orford, Tom, Jack, Ede, Fattimore, Phillis, Bett & Jenny 2303..19..0

Female

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The advantages resulting from the sale of my negroes, I have very little doubt of; because, as I observed in my last, if we should ultimately prove unsuccessful (of which I am under no apprehension unless it falls on us as a punishment for our want of public, & indeed private virtue) it would be a matter of very little consequence to me, whether my property is in Negroes, or loan office Certificates, as I shall neither ask for, nor expect any favor from his most gracious Majesty, nor any person acting under his authority; the only points therefore for me to consider, are—first, whether it would be most to my interest, in case of a fortunate determination of the present contest, to have negroes, and the Crops they will make; or the sum they will now fetch and the interest of the money. And, secondly, the critical moment to make this sale With respect to the first point (if a negro man will sell at, or near one thousand pounds, and women & children in proportion) I have not the smallest doubt on which side the balance, placed in the scale of interest, will preponderate: My scruples arise from a reluctance in offering these people at public vendue, and on account of the uncertainty of timeing the sale well—In the first case, if these poor wretches are to be held in a state of slavery, I do not see that a change of masters will render it more irksome, provided husband & wife, and Parents & children are not separated from each other, which is not my intention to do. And with respect to the second, the judgment, founded in a knowledge of circumstances, is the only criterion for determining when the tide of depreciation is at an end; for like the flux & reflux of the water, it will no sooner have got to its full ebb or flow, but an immediate turn takes place, and every thing runs in a contrary direction. To hit this critical moment then, is the point; and a point of so much nicety, that the longer I reflect upon the subject, the more embarrassed I am in my opinion; for if a sale takes place while the money is in a depreciating state—that is, before it has arrived at the lowest ebb of depreciation; I shall lose the difference—and if it is delayed, ’till some great & important event shall give a decisive turn in favor of our affairs, it may be too late. Notwithstanding, upon a full consideration of the whole matter; if you have done nothing in consequence of my last letter, I wou’d have you wait ’till you hear further from me on this subject. I will, in the meanwhile, revolve the matter in my mind more fully, and may possibly be better able to draw some more precise conclusions than at present; while you may be employed in endeavouring to ascertain the highest prices Negroes sell at, in different parts of the Country—where, and in what manner it would be best to sell them, when such a measure is adopted, (which I think will very likely happen in the course of a few months.)

Male

Cultivator of the Soil

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To be SOLD for ready money, at Rover's Delight in Fairfax county, on Monday the 23d inst. (October) A TRACT of valuable LAND in said county, lying on Potowmack river; adjoining to the land on which the subscriber now keeps ferry, and very fit for farming. On the premises is a large barn, 60 feet by 30, framed and shingled; eight framed barracks 26 feet square, a large corn-house, and sundry other houses, with a good fishery appertaining. At the same time and place, and upon the same terms, will likewise be sold about twenty-five choice SLAVES, consisting of men, women, and children. Also sundry horses, cattle, sheep, and hogs; together with various kinds of household furnishing and implements of husbandry. The money arising from the sales to be paid into the hands of George Washington, Esq; JOHN POSEY

Male

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With respect to the negroes, Frederick, George, Burwell and Pleasant, I have no objection to your taking them with you to your new habitation, Provided you can arrange matters with your mother, to her entire satisfaction. I shall set no price on them, because it is not probable I shall ever avail myself, or heirs, of that property in your mothers possession.

Male

Cultivator of the Soil

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To be SOLD for ready money, at Rover's Delight in Fairfax county, on Monday the 23d inst. (October) A TRACT of valuable LAND in said county, lying on Potowmack river; adjoining to the land on which the subscriber now keeps ferry, and very fit for farming. On the premises is a large barn, 60 feet by 30, framed and shingled; eight framed barracks 26 feet square, a large corn-house, and sundry other houses, with a good fishery appertaining. At the same time and place, and upon the same terms, will likewise be sold about twenty-five choice SLAVES, consisting of men, women, and children. Also sundry horses, cattle, sheep, and hogs; together with various kinds of household furnishing and implements of husbandry. The money arising from the sales to be paid into the hands of George Washington, Esq; JOHN POSEY

Female

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Memorandum of the Sale of the Negores &c. at Washingtons Bottom Octr 5th 1786 Simon. To Bazil & Thomas Brown P Bond £100..0..[0] Joe. To Ephraim Douglass Esqr £81..0..[0] Allice. To Do Do [Ephraim Douglass Esqr] 70..15..[0] Dorcas. To Do Do [Ephraim Douglass Esqr] 13..15..[0] P Bond James Hammond Surety [Total] 165..10..[0] Lydia. To Peter Patterson & Thos Patterson surety 45..10..[0] Nance & Young Child. to James Hammond, Ephraim Douglass surety 80..5..[0] Tom & Charity The Twins. To Samuel Burns, William Sunderland Surety 27..10..[0] …Thomas Freeman

Female

Cultivator of the Soil

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To be SOLD for ready money, at Rover's Delight in Fairfax county, on Monday the 23d inst. (October) A TRACT of valuable LAND in said county, lying on Potowmack river; adjoining to the land on which the subscriber now keeps ferry, and very fit for farming. On the premises is a large barn, 60 feet by 30, framed and shingled; eight framed barracks 26 feet square, a large corn-house, and sundry other houses, with a good fishery appertaining. At the same time and place, and upon the same terms, will likewise be sold about twenty-five choice SLAVES, consisting of men, women, and children. Also sundry horses, cattle, sheep, and hogs; together with various kinds of household furnishing and implements of husbandry. The money arising from the sales to be paid into the hands of George Washington, Esq; JOHN POSEY

Female

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Memorandum of the Sale of the Negores &c. at Washingtons Bottom Octr 5th 1786 Simon. To Bazil & Thomas Brown P Bond £100..0..[0] Joe. To Ephraim Douglass Esqr £81..0..[0] Allice. To Do Do [Ephraim Douglass Esqr] 70..15..[0] Dorcas. To Do Do [Ephraim Douglass Esqr] 13..15..[0] P Bond James Hammond Surety [Total] 165..10..[0] Lydia. To Peter Patterson & Thos Patterson surety 45..10..[0] Nance & Young Child. to James Hammond, Ephraim Douglass surety 80..5..[0] Tom & Charity The Twins. To Samuel Burns, William Sunderland Surety 27..10..[0] …Thomas Freeman

Female

Laborer

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I had the favour of yours by Mr Lear, and by that I imagine you did not receive mine of the 9th October, in which I gave you an Acct of the Sale of the Negroes &c. therefore I have Inclosed a Copy of the same herewith to you. … In the Sale of the Negroes there is one Named Dorcas that you Receivd of Mr Simpson as a Slave proves to be free at the Age of Twenty Eight Years the Records from Westmoreland we had & I took the Supreme Judge McKeans Opinion on the matter & he declares her free, so that you must have recourse to Mr Simpson as you Settled with him at the rate of Thirty Pounds and now after keeping her Two Years she Sold at Thirteen Pounds fifteen shillings as [per] acct. I should not have Sold the Negroes but they would not be Prevailed with to come down from any Argument I could use.

Female

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If I can sell the Negroes I mention’d to you by private Sale I will—but the Best way of Sellg is at Publick Sale

Female

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…with regard to Sellg the Negroes Mention'd, you have put it out of my power, by saying you would not sell them without their Consent...unless I was to make a Publick Sale of those Negroes & pay no regard to their being Willing or not, I see no probability of sellg them—but this is a matter that may be fixd when I see you, I believe the price of them will keep up at least for this Summer…

Female

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you again say you wish to get quit of negroes, before the rect of this you will find that in a former Letter I have desired that you will tell me in plain terms, whether I shall sell your Negroes at Publick sale or not, & how many of them & indeed Who.

Female

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To Cash for the Following Negroes. Abram, Orford, Tom, Jack, Ede, Fattimore, Phillis, Bett & Jenny 2303..19..0

Female

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By Cash for the Followg Negroes Abram, Orford, Tom, Jack, Ede, Fattimore, Phillis, Bett & Jenny 2303..19..0

Female

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The advantages resulting from the sale of my negroes, I have very little doubt of; because, as I observed in my last, if we should ultimately prove unsuccessful (of which I am under no apprehension unless it falls on us as a punishment for our want of public, & indeed private virtue) it would be a matter of very little consequence to me, whether my property is in Negroes, or loan office Certificates, as I shall neither ask for, nor expect any favor from his most gracious Majesty, nor any person acting under his authority; the only points therefore for me to consider, are—first, whether it would be most to my interest, in case of a fortunate determination of the present contest, to have negroes, and the Crops they will make; or the sum they will now fetch and the interest of the money. And, secondly, the critical moment to make this sale With respect to the first point (if a negro man will sell at, or near one thousand pounds, and women & children in proportion) I have not the smallest doubt on which side the balance, placed in the scale of interest, will preponderate: My scruples arise from a reluctance in offering these people at public vendue, and on account of the uncertainty of timeing the sale well—In the first case, if these poor wretches are to be held in a state of slavery, I do not see that a change of masters will render it more irksome, provided husband & wife, and Parents & children are not separated from each other, which is not my intention to do. And with respect to the second, the judgment, founded in a knowledge of circumstances, is the only criterion for determining when the tide of depreciation is at an end; for like the flux & reflux of the water, it will no sooner have got to its full ebb or flow, but an immediate turn takes place, and every thing runs in a contrary direction. To hit this critical moment then, is the point; and a point of so much nicety, that the longer I reflect upon the subject, the more embarrassed I am in my opinion; for if a sale takes place while the money is in a depreciating state—that is, before it has arrived at the lowest ebb of depreciation; I shall lose the difference—and if it is delayed, ’till some great & important event shall give a decisive turn in favor of our affairs, it may be too late. Notwithstanding, upon a full consideration of the whole matter; if you have done nothing in consequence of my last letter, I wou’d have you wait ’till you hear further from me on this subject. I will, in the meanwhile, revolve the matter in my mind more fully, and may possibly be better able to draw some more precise conclusions than at present; while you may be employed in endeavouring to ascertain the highest prices Negroes sell at, in different parts of the Country—where, and in what manner it would be best to sell them, when such a measure is adopted, (which I think will very likely happen in the course of a few months.)

Female

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If I can sell the Negroes I mention’d to you by private Sale I will—but the Best way of Sellg is at Publick Sale

Female

---

…with regard to Sellg the Negroes Mention'd, you have put it out of my power, by saying you would not sell them without their Consent...unless I was to make a Publick Sale of those Negroes & pay no regard to their being Willing or not, I see no probability of sellg them—but this is a matter that may be fixd when I see you, I believe the price of them will keep up at least for this Summer…

Female

---

you again say you wish to get quit of negroes, before the rect of this you will find that in a former Letter I have desired that you will tell me in plain terms, whether I shall sell your Negroes at Publick sale or not, & how many of them & indeed Who.

Female

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To Cash for the Following Negroes. Abram, Orford, Tom, Jack, Ede, Fattimore, Phillis, Bett & Jenny 2303..19..0

Female

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By Cash for the Followg Negroes Abram, Orford, Tom, Jack, Ede, Fattimore, Phillis, Bett & Jenny 2303..19..0

Female

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The advantages resulting from the sale of my negroes, I have very little doubt of; because, as I observed in my last, if we should ultimately prove unsuccessful (of which I am under no apprehension unless it falls on us as a punishment for our want of public, & indeed private virtue) it would be a matter of very little consequence to me, whether my property is in Negroes, or loan office Certificates, as I shall neither ask for, nor expect any favor from his most gracious Majesty, nor any person acting under his authority; the only points therefore for me to consider, are—first, whether it would be most to my interest, in case of a fortunate determination of the present contest, to have negroes, and the Crops they will make; or the sum they will now fetch and the interest of the money. And, secondly, the critical moment to make this sale With respect to the first point (if a negro man will sell at, or near one thousand pounds, and women & children in proportion) I have not the smallest doubt on which side the balance, placed in the scale of interest, will preponderate: My scruples arise from a reluctance in offering these people at public vendue, and on account of the uncertainty of timeing the sale well—In the first case, if these poor wretches are to be held in a state of slavery, I do not see that a change of masters will render it more irksome, provided husband & wife, and Parents & children are not separated from each other, which is not my intention to do. And with respect to the second, the judgment, founded in a knowledge of circumstances, is the only criterion for determining when the tide of depreciation is at an end; for like the flux & reflux of the water, it will no sooner have got to its full ebb or flow, but an immediate turn takes place, and every thing runs in a contrary direction. To hit this critical moment then, is the point; and a point of so much nicety, that the longer I reflect upon the subject, the more embarrassed I am in my opinion; for if a sale takes place while the money is in a depreciating state—that is, before it has arrived at the lowest ebb of depreciation; I shall lose the difference—and if it is delayed, ’till some great & important event shall give a decisive turn in favor of our affairs, it may be too late. Notwithstanding, upon a full consideration of the whole matter; if you have done nothing in consequence of my last letter, I wou’d have you wait ’till you hear further from me on this subject. I will, in the meanwhile, revolve the matter in my mind more fully, and may possibly be better able to draw some more precise conclusions than at present; while you may be employed in endeavouring to ascertain the highest prices Negroes sell at, in different parts of the Country—where, and in what manner it would be best to sell them, when such a measure is adopted, (which I think will very likely happen in the course of a few months.)

Male

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To a Negro named Fortune . . sold him in 1763 for 70..[0]..[0]

Male

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With respect to the negroes, Frederick, George, Burwell and Pleasant, I have no objection to your taking them with you to your new habitation, Provided you can arrange matters with your mother, to her entire satisfaction. I shall set no price on them, because it is not probable I shall ever avail myself, or heirs, of that property in your mothers possession.

Male

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With respect to the negroes, Frederick, George, Burwell and Pleasant, I have no objection to your taking them with you to your new habitation, Provided you can arrange matters with your mother, to her entire satisfaction. I shall set no price on them, because it is not probable I shall ever avail myself, or heirs, of that property in your mothers possession.

Male

Cultivator of the Soil

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To be SOLD for ready money, at Rover's Delight in Fairfax county, on Monday the 23d inst. (October) A TRACT of valuable LAND in said county, lying on Potowmack river; adjoining to the land on which the subscriber now keeps ferry, and very fit for farming. On the premises is a large barn, 60 feet by 30, framed and shingled; eight framed barracks 26 feet square, a large corn-house, and sundry other houses, with a good fishery appertaining. At the same time and place, and upon the same terms, will likewise be sold about twenty-five choice SLAVES, consisting of men, women, and children. Also sundry horses, cattle, sheep, and hogs; together with various kinds of household furnishing and implements of husbandry. The money arising from the sales to be paid into the hands of George Washington, Esq; JOHN POSEY

Female

Cultivator of the Soil

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To be SOLD for ready money, at Rover's Delight in Fairfax county, on Monday the 23d inst. (October) A TRACT of valuable LAND in said county, lying on Potowmack river; adjoining to the land on which the subscriber now keeps ferry, and very fit for farming. On the premises is a large barn, 60 feet by 30, framed and shingled; eight framed barracks 26 feet square, a large corn-house, and sundry other houses, with a good fishery appertaining. At the same time and place, and upon the same terms, will likewise be sold about twenty-five choice SLAVES, consisting of men, women, and children. Also sundry horses, cattle, sheep, and hogs; together with various kinds of household furnishing and implements of husbandry. The money arising from the sales to be paid into the hands of George Washington, Esq; JOHN POSEY

Male

Cultivator of the Soil

---

To be SOLD for ready money, at Rover's Delight in Fairfax county, on Monday the 23d inst. (October) A TRACT of valuable LAND in said county, lying on Potowmack river; adjoining to the land on which the subscriber now keeps ferry, and very fit for farming. On the premises is a large barn, 60 feet by 30, framed and shingled; eight framed barracks 26 feet square, a large corn-house, and sundry other houses, with a good fishery appertaining. At the same time and place, and upon the same terms, will likewise be sold about twenty-five choice SLAVES, consisting of men, women, and children. Also sundry horses, cattle, sheep, and hogs; together with various kinds of household furnishing and implements of husbandry. The money arising from the sales to be paid into the hands of George Washington, Esq; JOHN POSEY

Female

Cultivator of the Soil

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To be SOLD for ready money, at Rover's Delight in Fairfax county, on Monday the 23d inst. (October) A TRACT of valuable LAND in said county, lying on Potowmack river; adjoining to the land on which the subscriber now keeps ferry, and very fit for farming. On the premises is a large barn, 60 feet by 30, framed and shingled; eight framed barracks 26 feet square, a large corn-house, and sundry other houses, with a good fishery appertaining. At the same time and place, and upon the same terms, will likewise be sold about twenty-five choice SLAVES, consisting of men, women, and children. Also sundry horses, cattle, sheep, and hogs; together with various kinds of household furnishing and implements of husbandry. The money arising from the sales to be paid into the hands of George Washington, Esq; JOHN POSEY

Male

Cultivator of the Soil

---

To be SOLD for ready money, at Rover's Delight in Fairfax county, on Monday the 23d inst. (October) A TRACT of valuable LAND in said county, lying on Potowmack river; adjoining to the land on which the subscriber now keeps ferry, and very fit for farming. On the premises is a large barn, 60 feet by 30, framed and shingled; eight framed barracks 26 feet square, a large corn-house, and sundry other houses, with a good fishery appertaining. At the same time and place, and upon the same terms, will likewise be sold about twenty-five choice SLAVES, consisting of men, women, and children. Also sundry horses, cattle, sheep, and hogs; together with various kinds of household furnishing and implements of husbandry. The money arising from the sales to be paid into the hands of George Washington, Esq; JOHN POSEY

Male

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By Shreve & Laurison pd [paid] them as pr [per] order for Mr George Slacum being for the passage of Negroe Jack sent by him to the West Indies to be disposed of also Commissions on the Sale, freight and duties on one Pipe & Quarter Cask wine from the West Indies being the returns - Passage of 2 Boys & 3 Boxes from Philadelphia &c. - as may be seen by Rect [Receipt] and Statement 22..7..3

Male

Cultivator of the Soil

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To be SOLD for ready money, at Rover's Delight in Fairfax county, on Monday the 23d inst. (October) A TRACT of valuable LAND in said county, lying on Potowmack river; adjoining to the land on which the subscriber now keeps ferry, and very fit for farming. On the premises is a large barn, 60 feet by 30, framed and shingled; eight framed barracks 26 feet square, a large corn-house, and sundry other houses, with a good fishery appertaining. At the same time and place, and upon the same terms, will likewise be sold about twenty-five choice SLAVES, consisting of men, women, and children. Also sundry horses, cattle, sheep, and hogs; together with various kinds of household furnishing and implements of husbandry. The money arising from the sales to be paid into the hands of George Washington, Esq; JOHN POSEY

Male

---

If I can sell the Negroes I mention’d to you by private Sale I will—but the Best way of Sellg is at Publick Sale

Male

---

…with regard to Sellg the Negroes Mention'd, you have put it out of my power, by saying you would not sell them without their Consent...unless I was to make a Publick Sale of those Negroes & pay no regard to their being Willing or not, I see no probability of sellg them—but this is a matter that may be fixd when I see you, I believe the price of them will keep up at least for this Summer…

Male

---

you again say you wish to get quit of negroes, before the rect of this you will find that in a former Letter I have desired that you will tell me in plain terms, whether I shall sell your Negroes at Publick sale or not, & how many of them & indeed Who.

Male

---

To Cash for the Following Negroes. Abram, Orford, Tom, Jack, Ede, Fattimore, Phillis, Bett & Jenny 2303..19..0

Male

---

By Cash for the Followg Negroes Abram, Orford, Tom, Jack, Ede, Fattimore, Phillis, Bett & Jenny 2303..19..0

Male

---

The advantages resulting from the sale of my negroes, I have very little doubt of; because, as I observed in my last, if we should ultimately prove unsuccessful (of which I am under no apprehension unless it falls on us as a punishment for our want of public, & indeed private virtue) it would be a matter of very little consequence to me, whether my property is in Negroes, or loan office Certificates, as I shall neither ask for, nor expect any favor from his most gracious Majesty, nor any person acting under his authority; the only points therefore for me to consider, are—first, whether it would be most to my interest, in case of a fortunate determination of the present contest, to have negroes, and the Crops they will make; or the sum they will now fetch and the interest of the money. And, secondly, the critical moment to make this sale With respect to the first point (if a negro man will sell at, or near one thousand pounds, and women & children in proportion) I have not the smallest doubt on which side the balance, placed in the scale of interest, will preponderate: My scruples arise from a reluctance in offering these people at public vendue, and on account of the uncertainty of timeing the sale well—In the first case, if these poor wretches are to be held in a state of slavery, I do not see that a change of masters will render it more irksome, provided husband & wife, and Parents & children are not separated from each other, which is not my intention to do. And with respect to the second, the judgment, founded in a knowledge of circumstances, is the only criterion for determining when the tide of depreciation is at an end; for like the flux & reflux of the water, it will no sooner have got to its full ebb or flow, but an immediate turn takes place, and every thing runs in a contrary direction. To hit this critical moment then, is the point; and a point of so much nicety, that the longer I reflect upon the subject, the more embarrassed I am in my opinion; for if a sale takes place while the money is in a depreciating state—that is, before it has arrived at the lowest ebb of depreciation; I shall lose the difference—and if it is delayed, ’till some great & important event shall give a decisive turn in favor of our affairs, it may be too late. Notwithstanding, upon a full consideration of the whole matter; if you have done nothing in consequence of my last letter, I wou’d have you wait ’till you hear further from me on this subject. I will, in the meanwhile, revolve the matter in my mind more fully, and may possibly be better able to draw some more precise conclusions than at present; while you may be employed in endeavouring to ascertain the highest prices Negroes sell at, in different parts of the Country—where, and in what manner it would be best to sell them, when such a measure is adopted, (which I think will very likely happen in the course of a few months.)

Male

Cultivator of the Soil

---

To be SOLD for ready money, at Rover's Delight in Fairfax county, on Monday the 23d inst. (October) A TRACT of valuable LAND in said county, lying on Potowmack river; adjoining to the land on which the subscriber now keeps ferry, and very fit for farming. On the premises is a large barn, 60 feet by 30, framed and shingled; eight framed barracks 26 feet square, a large corn-house, and sundry other houses, with a good fishery appertaining. At the same time and place, and upon the same terms, will likewise be sold about twenty-five choice SLAVES, consisting of men, women, and children. Also sundry horses, cattle, sheep, and hogs; together with various kinds of household furnishing and implements of husbandry. The money arising from the sales to be paid into the hands of George Washington, Esq; JOHN POSEY

Male

Cultivator of the Soil

---

To be SOLD for ready money, at Rover's Delight in Fairfax county, on Monday the 23d inst. (October) A TRACT of valuable LAND in said county, lying on Potowmack river; adjoining to the land on which the subscriber now keeps ferry, and very fit for farming. On the premises is a large barn, 60 feet by 30, framed and shingled; eight framed barracks 26 feet square, a large corn-house, and sundry other houses, with a good fishery appertaining. At the same time and place, and upon the same terms, will likewise be sold about twenty-five choice SLAVES, consisting of men, women, and children. Also sundry horses, cattle, sheep, and hogs; together with various kinds of household furnishing and implements of husbandry. The money arising from the sales to be paid into the hands of George Washington, Esq; JOHN POSEY

Female

Cultivator of the Soil

---

To be SOLD for ready money, at Rover's Delight in Fairfax county, on Monday the 23d inst. (October) A TRACT of valuable LAND in said county, lying on Potowmack river; adjoining to the land on which the subscriber now keeps ferry, and very fit for farming. On the premises is a large barn, 60 feet by 30, framed and shingled; eight framed barracks 26 feet square, a large corn-house, and sundry other houses, with a good fishery appertaining. At the same time and place, and upon the same terms, will likewise be sold about twenty-five choice SLAVES, consisting of men, women, and children. Also sundry horses, cattle, sheep, and hogs; together with various kinds of household furnishing and implements of husbandry. The money arising from the sales to be paid into the hands of George Washington, Esq; JOHN POSEY

Female

Cultivator of the Soil

---

To be SOLD for ready money, at Rover's Delight in Fairfax county, on Monday the 23d inst. (October) A TRACT of valuable LAND in said county, lying on Potowmack river; adjoining to the land on which the subscriber now keeps ferry, and very fit for farming. On the premises is a large barn, 60 feet by 30, framed and shingled; eight framed barracks 26 feet square, a large corn-house, and sundry other houses, with a good fishery appertaining. At the same time and place, and upon the same terms, will likewise be sold about twenty-five choice SLAVES, consisting of men, women, and children. Also sundry horses, cattle, sheep, and hogs; together with various kinds of household furnishing and implements of husbandry. The money arising from the sales to be paid into the hands of George Washington, Esq; JOHN POSEY

Female

---

If I can sell the Negroes I mention’d to you by private Sale I will—but the Best way of Sellg is at Publick Sale

Female

---

…with regard to Sellg the Negroes Mention'd, you have put it out of my power, by saying you would not sell them without their Consent...unless I was to make a Publick Sale of those Negroes & pay no regard to their being Willing or not, I see no probability of sellg them—but this is a matter that may be fixd when I see you, I believe the price of them will keep up at least for this Summer…

Female

---

you again say you wish to get quit of negroes, before the rect of this you will find that in a former Letter I have desired that you will tell me in plain terms, whether I shall sell your Negroes at Publick sale or not, & how many of them & indeed Who.

Female

---

To Cash for the Following Negroes. Abram, Orford, Tom, Jack, Ede, Fattimore, Phillis, Bett & Jenny 2303..19..0

Female

---

By Cash for the Followg Negroes Abram, Orford, Tom, Jack, Ede, Fattimore, Phillis, Bett & Jenny 2303..19..0

Female

---

The advantages resulting from the sale of my negroes, I have very little doubt of; because, as I observed in my last, if we should ultimately prove unsuccessful (of which I am under no apprehension unless it falls on us as a punishment for our want of public, & indeed private virtue) it would be a matter of very little consequence to me, whether my property is in Negroes, or loan office Certificates, as I shall neither ask for, nor expect any favor from his most gracious Majesty, nor any person acting under his authority; the only points therefore for me to consider, are—first, whether it would be most to my interest, in case of a fortunate determination of the present contest, to have negroes, and the Crops they will make; or the sum they will now fetch and the interest of the money. And, secondly, the critical moment to make this sale With respect to the first point (if a negro man will sell at, or near one thousand pounds, and women & children in proportion) I have not the smallest doubt on which side the balance, placed in the scale of interest, will preponderate: My scruples arise from a reluctance in offering these people at public vendue, and on account of the uncertainty of timeing the sale well—In the first case, if these poor wretches are to be held in a state of slavery, I do not see that a change of masters will render it more irksome, provided husband & wife, and Parents & children are not separated from each other, which is not my intention to do. And with respect to the second, the judgment, founded in a knowledge of circumstances, is the only criterion for determining when the tide of depreciation is at an end; for like the flux & reflux of the water, it will no sooner have got to its full ebb or flow, but an immediate turn takes place, and every thing runs in a contrary direction. To hit this critical moment then, is the point; and a point of so much nicety, that the longer I reflect upon the subject, the more embarrassed I am in my opinion; for if a sale takes place while the money is in a depreciating state—that is, before it has arrived at the lowest ebb of depreciation; I shall lose the difference—and if it is delayed, ’till some great & important event shall give a decisive turn in favor of our affairs, it may be too late. Notwithstanding, upon a full consideration of the whole matter; if you have done nothing in consequence of my last letter, I wou’d have you wait ’till you hear further from me on this subject. I will, in the meanwhile, revolve the matter in my mind more fully, and may possibly be better able to draw some more precise conclusions than at present; while you may be employed in endeavouring to ascertain the highest prices Negroes sell at, in different parts of the Country—where, and in what manner it would be best to sell them, when such a measure is adopted, (which I think will very likely happen in the course of a few months.)

Male

---

Memorandum of the Sale of the Negores &c. at Washingtons Bottom Octr 5th 1786 Simon. To Bazil & Thomas Brown P Bond £100..0..[0] Joe. To Ephraim Douglass Esqr £81..0..[0] Allice. To Do Do [Ephraim Douglass Esqr] 70..15..[0] Dorcas. To Do Do [Ephraim Douglass Esqr] 13..15..[0] P Bond James Hammond Surety [Total] 165..10..[0] Lydia. To Peter Patterson & Thos Patterson surety 45..10..[0] Nance & Young Child. to James Hammond, Ephraim Douglass surety 80..5..[0] Tom & Charity The Twins. To Samuel Burns, William Sunderland Surety 27..10..[0] …Thomas Freeman

Female

Cultivator of the Soil

---

To be SOLD for ready money, at Rover's Delight in Fairfax county, on Monday the 23d inst. (October) A TRACT of valuable LAND in said county, lying on Potowmack river; adjoining to the land on which the subscriber now keeps ferry, and very fit for farming. On the premises is a large barn, 60 feet by 30, framed and shingled; eight framed barracks 26 feet square, a large corn-house, and sundry other houses, with a good fishery appertaining. At the same time and place, and upon the same terms, will likewise be sold about twenty-five choice SLAVES, consisting of men, women, and children. Also sundry horses, cattle, sheep, and hogs; together with various kinds of household furnishing and implements of husbandry. The money arising from the sales to be paid into the hands of George Washington, Esq; JOHN POSEY

Female

Cultivator of the Soil

---

To be SOLD for ready money, at Rover's Delight in Fairfax county, on Monday the 23d inst. (October) A TRACT of valuable LAND in said county, lying on Potowmack river; adjoining to the land on which the subscriber now keeps ferry, and very fit for farming. On the premises is a large barn, 60 feet by 30, framed and shingled; eight framed barracks 26 feet square, a large corn-house, and sundry other houses, with a good fishery appertaining. At the same time and place, and upon the same terms, will likewise be sold about twenty-five choice SLAVES, consisting of men, women, and children. Also sundry horses, cattle, sheep, and hogs; together with various kinds of household furnishing and implements of husbandry. The money arising from the sales to be paid into the hands of George Washington, Esq; JOHN POSEY

Male

Cultivator of the Soil

---

To be SOLD for ready money, at Rover's Delight in Fairfax county, on Monday the 23d inst. (October) A TRACT of valuable LAND in said county, lying on Potowmack river; adjoining to the land on which the subscriber now keeps ferry, and very fit for farming. On the premises is a large barn, 60 feet by 30, framed and shingled; eight framed barracks 26 feet square, a large corn-house, and sundry other houses, with a good fishery appertaining. At the same time and place, and upon the same terms, will likewise be sold about twenty-five choice SLAVES, consisting of men, women, and children. Also sundry horses, cattle, sheep, and hogs; together with various kinds of household furnishing and implements of husbandry. The money arising from the sales to be paid into the hands of George Washington, Esq; JOHN POSEY

Female

---

Memorandum of the Sale of the Negores &c. at Washingtons Bottom Octr 5th 1786 Simon. To Bazil & Thomas Brown P Bond £100..0..[0] Joe. To Ephraim Douglass Esqr £81..0..[0] Allice. To Do Do [Ephraim Douglass Esqr] 70..15..[0] Dorcas. To Do Do [Ephraim Douglass Esqr] 13..15..[0] P Bond James Hammond Surety [Total] 165..10..[0] Lydia. To Peter Patterson & Thos Patterson surety 45..10..[0] Nance & Young Child. to James Hammond, Ephraim Douglass surety 80..5..[0] Tom & Charity The Twins. To Samuel Burns, William Sunderland Surety 27..10..[0] …Thomas Freeman

Female

Cultivator of the Soil

---

To be SOLD for ready money, at Rover's Delight in Fairfax county, on Monday the 23d inst. (October) A TRACT of valuable LAND in said county, lying on Potowmack river; adjoining to the land on which the subscriber now keeps ferry, and very fit for farming. On the premises is a large barn, 60 feet by 30, framed and shingled; eight framed barracks 26 feet square, a large corn-house, and sundry other houses, with a good fishery appertaining. At the same time and place, and upon the same terms, will likewise be sold about twenty-five choice SLAVES, consisting of men, women, and children. Also sundry horses, cattle, sheep, and hogs; together with various kinds of household furnishing and implements of husbandry. The money arising from the sales to be paid into the hands of George Washington, Esq; JOHN POSEY

Female

Cultivator of the Soil

---

To be SOLD for ready money, at Rover's Delight in Fairfax county, on Monday the 23d inst. (October) A TRACT of valuable LAND in said county, lying on Potowmack river; adjoining to the land on which the subscriber now keeps ferry, and very fit for farming. On the premises is a large barn, 60 feet by 30, framed and shingled; eight framed barracks 26 feet square, a large corn-house, and sundry other houses, with a good fishery appertaining. At the same time and place, and upon the same terms, will likewise be sold about twenty-five choice SLAVES, consisting of men, women, and children. Also sundry horses, cattle, sheep, and hogs; together with various kinds of household furnishing and implements of husbandry. The money arising from the sales to be paid into the hands of George Washington, Esq; JOHN POSEY

Female

---

Memorandum of the Sale of the Negores &c. at Washingtons Bottom Octr 5th 1786 Simon. To Bazil & Thomas Brown P Bond £100..0..[0] Joe. To Ephraim Douglass Esqr £81..0..[0] Allice. To Do Do [Ephraim Douglass Esqr] 70..15..[0] Dorcas. To Do Do [Ephraim Douglass Esqr] 13..15..[0] P Bond James Hammond Surety [Total] 165..10..[0] Lydia. To Peter Patterson & Thos Patterson surety 45..10..[0] Nance & Young Child. to James Hammond, Ephraim Douglass surety 80..5..[0] Tom & Charity The Twins. To Samuel Burns, William Sunderland Surety 27..10..[0] …Thomas Freeman

Male

---

If I can sell the Negroes I mention’d to you by private Sale I will—but the Best way of Sellg is at Publick Sale

Male

---

…with regard to Sellg the Negroes Mention'd, you have put it out of my power, by saying you would not sell them without their Consent...unless I was to make a Publick Sale of those Negroes & pay no regard to their being Willing or not, I see no probability of sellg them—but this is a matter that may be fixd when I see you, I believe the price of them will keep up at least for this Summer…

Male

---

you again say you wish to get quit of negroes, before the rect of this you will find that in a former Letter I have desired that you will tell me in plain terms, whether I shall sell your Negroes at Publick sale or not, & how many of them & indeed Who.

Male

---

To Cash for the Following Negroes. Abram, Orford, Tom, Jack, Ede, Fattimore, Phillis, Bett & Jenny 2303..19..0

Male

---

By Cash for the Followg Negroes Abram, Orford, Tom, Jack, Ede, Fattimore, Phillis, Bett & Jenny 2303..19..0

Male

---

The advantages resulting from the sale of my negroes, I have very little doubt of; because, as I observed in my last, if we should ultimately prove unsuccessful (of which I am under no apprehension unless it falls on us as a punishment for our want of public, & indeed private virtue) it would be a matter of very little consequence to me, whether my property is in Negroes, or loan office Certificates, as I shall neither ask for, nor expect any favor from his most gracious Majesty, nor any person acting under his authority; the only points therefore for me to consider, are—first, whether it would be most to my interest, in case of a fortunate determination of the present contest, to have negroes, and the Crops they will make; or the sum they will now fetch and the interest of the money. And, secondly, the critical moment to make this sale With respect to the first point (if a negro man will sell at, or near one thousand pounds, and women & children in proportion) I have not the smallest doubt on which side the balance, placed in the scale of interest, will preponderate: My scruples arise from a reluctance in offering these people at public vendue, and on account of the uncertainty of timeing the sale well—In the first case, if these poor wretches are to be held in a state of slavery, I do not see that a change of masters will render it more irksome, provided husband & wife, and Parents & children are not separated from each other, which is not my intention to do. And with respect to the second, the judgment, founded in a knowledge of circumstances, is the only criterion for determining when the tide of depreciation is at an end; for like the flux & reflux of the water, it will no sooner have got to its full ebb or flow, but an immediate turn takes place, and every thing runs in a contrary direction. To hit this critical moment then, is the point; and a point of so much nicety, that the longer I reflect upon the subject, the more embarrassed I am in my opinion; for if a sale takes place while the money is in a depreciating state—that is, before it has arrived at the lowest ebb of depreciation; I shall lose the difference—and if it is delayed, ’till some great & important event shall give a decisive turn in favor of our affairs, it may be too late. Notwithstanding, upon a full consideration of the whole matter; if you have done nothing in consequence of my last letter, I wou’d have you wait ’till you hear further from me on this subject. I will, in the meanwhile, revolve the matter in my mind more fully, and may possibly be better able to draw some more precise conclusions than at present; while you may be employed in endeavouring to ascertain the highest prices Negroes sell at, in different parts of the Country—where, and in what manner it would be best to sell them, when such a measure is adopted, (which I think will very likely happen in the course of a few months.)

Female

---

If I can sell the Negroes I mention’d to you by private Sale I will—but the Best way of Sellg is at Publick Sale

Female

---

...with regard to Sellg the Negroes Mention’d, you have put it out of my power, by saying you woud not sell them without their Consent...to another Man at the same time I offerd Phillis for £200, but she was so alarmd at the thoughts of being sold that the man cou’d not get her to utter a Word of English, therefore he believed she cou’d not speak—the man was to come two days after—when he came she was Sick & has been ever Since,

Female

---

you again say you wish to get quit of negroes, before the rect of this you will find that in a former Letter I have desired that you will tell me in plain terms, whether I shall sell your Negroes at Publick sale or not, & how many of them & indeed Who.

Female

---

To Cash for the Following Negroes. Abram, Orford, Tom, Jack, Ede, Fattimore, Phillis, Bett & Jenny 2303..19..0

Female

---

By Cash for the Followg Negroes Abram, Orford, Tom, Jack, Ede, Fattimore, Phillis, Bett & Jenny 2303..19..0

Female

---

The advantages resulting from the sale of my negroes, I have very little doubt of; because, as I observed in my last, if we should ultimately prove unsuccessful (of which I am under no apprehension unless it falls on us as a punishment for our want of public, & indeed private virtue) it would be a matter of very little consequence to me, whether my property is in Negroes, or loan office Certificates, as I shall neither ask for, nor expect any favor from his most gracious Majesty, nor any person acting under his authority; the only points therefore for me to consider, are—first, whether it would be most to my interest, in case of a fortunate determination of the present contest, to have negroes, and the Crops they will make; or the sum they will now fetch and the interest of the money. And, secondly, the critical moment to make this sale With respect to the first point (if a negro man will sell at, or near one thousand pounds, and women & children in proportion) I have not the smallest doubt on which side the balance, placed in the scale of interest, will preponderate: My scruples arise from a reluctance in offering these people at public vendue, and on account of the uncertainty of timeing the sale well—In the first case, if these poor wretches are to be held in a state of slavery, I do not see that a change of masters will render it more irksome, provided husband & wife, and Parents & children are not separated from each other, which is not my intention to do. And with respect to the second, the judgment, founded in a knowledge of circumstances, is the only criterion for determining when the tide of depreciation is at an end; for like the flux & reflux of the water, it will no sooner have got to its full ebb or flow, but an immediate turn takes place, and every thing runs in a contrary direction. To hit this critical moment then, is the point; and a point of so much nicety, that the longer I reflect upon the subject, the more embarrassed I am in my opinion; for if a sale takes place while the money is in a depreciating state—that is, before it has arrived at the lowest ebb of depreciation; I shall lose the difference—and if it is delayed, ’till some great & important event shall give a decisive turn in favor of our affairs, it may be too late. Notwithstanding, upon a full consideration of the whole matter; if you have done nothing in consequence of my last letter, I wou’d have you wait ’till you hear further from me on this subject. I will, in the meanwhile, revolve the matter in my mind more fully, and may possibly be better able to draw some more precise conclusions than at present; while you may be employed in endeavouring to ascertain the highest prices Negroes sell at, in different parts of the Country—where, and in what manner it would be best to sell them, when such a measure is adopted, (which I think will very likely happen in the course of a few months.)

Male

---

With respect to the negroes, Frederick, George, Burwell and Pleasant, I have no objection to your taking them with you to your new habitation, Provided you can arrange matters with your mother, to her entire satisfaction. I shall set no price on them, because it is not probable I shall ever avail myself, or heirs, of that property in your mothers possession.

Male

---

By Crying Sam when offerd [offered] for Sale ..5..[0]

Female

Cultivator of the Soil

---

To be SOLD for ready money, at Rover's Delight in Fairfax county, on Monday the 23d inst. (October) A TRACT of valuable LAND in said county, lying on Potowmack river; adjoining to the land on which the subscriber now keeps ferry, and very fit for farming. On the premises is a large barn, 60 feet by 30, framed and shingled; eight framed barracks 26 feet square, a large corn-house, and sundry other houses, with a good fishery appertaining. At the same time and place, and upon the same terms, will likewise be sold about twenty-five choice SLAVES, consisting of men, women, and children. Also sundry horses, cattle, sheep, and hogs; together with various kinds of household furnishing and implements of husbandry. The money arising from the sales to be paid into the hands of George Washington, Esq; JOHN POSEY

Male

---

Memorandum of the Sale of the Negores &c. at Washingtons Bottom Octr 5th 1786 Simon. To Bazil & Thomas Brown P Bond £100..0..[0] Joe. To Ephraim Douglass Esqr £81..0..[0] Allice. To Do Do [Ephraim Douglass Esqr] 70..15..[0] Dorcas. To Do Do [Ephraim Douglass Esqr] 13..15..[0] P Bond James Hammond Surety [Total] 165..10..[0] Lydia. To Peter Patterson & Thos Patterson surety 45..10..[0] Nance & Young Child. to James Hammond, Ephraim Douglass surety 80..5..[0] Tom & Charity The Twins. To Samuel Burns, William Sunderland Surety 27..10..[0] …Thomas Freeman

Female

Cultivator of the Soil

---

To be SOLD for ready money, at Rover's Delight in Fairfax county, on Monday the 23d inst. (October) A TRACT of valuable LAND in said county, lying on Potowmack river; adjoining to the land on which the subscriber now keeps ferry, and very fit for farming. On the premises is a large barn, 60 feet by 30, framed and shingled; eight framed barracks 26 feet square, a large corn-house, and sundry other houses, with a good fishery appertaining. At the same time and place, and upon the same terms, will likewise be sold about twenty-five choice SLAVES, consisting of men, women, and children. Also sundry horses, cattle, sheep, and hogs; together with various kinds of household furnishing and implements of husbandry. The money arising from the sales to be paid into the hands of George Washington, Esq; JOHN POSEY

Female

Cultivator of the Soil

---

To be SOLD for ready money, at Rover's Delight in Fairfax county, on Monday the 23d inst. (October) A TRACT of valuable LAND in said county, lying on Potowmack river; adjoining to the land on which the subscriber now keeps ferry, and very fit for farming. On the premises is a large barn, 60 feet by 30, framed and shingled; eight framed barracks 26 feet square, a large corn-house, and sundry other houses, with a good fishery appertaining. At the same time and place, and upon the same terms, will likewise be sold about twenty-five choice SLAVES, consisting of men, women, and children. Also sundry horses, cattle, sheep, and hogs; together with various kinds of household furnishing and implements of husbandry. The money arising from the sales to be paid into the hands of George Washington, Esq; JOHN POSEY

Male

---

Memm charge Mr Lund Washington with a New Negro boy named Syphax sold him at ye price of

Male

---

To a Negro boy named Scyphax

Male

Laborer

---

Sir: With this Letter comes a Negro (Tom) which I beg the favour of you to sell, in any of the Islands you may go to, for whatever he will fetch, and bring me in return from him... That this Fellow is both a Rogue and a Runaway (tho' he was by no means remarkable for the former, and never practised the latter till of late) I shall not pretend to deny. But that he is exceeding healthy, strong, and good at the Hoe, the whole neighbourhood can testifie and particularly Mr. Johnson and his Son, who have both had him under them as foreman of the gang; which gives me reason to hope he may, with your good management, sell well, if kept clean and trim'd up a little when offerd for Sale...I shall very chearfully allow you the customary Commissions on this affair, and must beg the favour of you (lest he shoud attempt his escape) to keep him handcuffd till you get to Sea, or in the Bay, after which I doubt not but you may make him very useful to you.

Male

Overseer

---

With this Letter comes a Negro (Tom) which I beg the favour of you to sell, in any of the Islands you may go to, for whatever he will fetch, & bring me in return for him One Hhd of best Molasses One Ditto [hogshead] of best Rum One Barrl of Lymes—if good & Cheap One Pot of Tamarinds—contg about 10 lbs. Two small Do [pots] of mixed Sweetmeats—abt 5 lb. each And the residue, much or little, in good old Spirits That this Fellow is both a Rogue & Runaway (tho. he was by no means remarkable for the former, and never practised the latter till of late) I shall not pretend to deny—But that he is exceeding healthy, strong, and good at the Hoe, the whole neighbourhood can testifie & particularly Mr Johnson and his Son, who have both had him under them as foreman of the gang; which gives me reason to hope he may, with your good management, sell well, if kept clean & trim’d up a little when offerd to Sale. I shall very chearfully allow you the customary Commissions on this affair, and must beg the favour of you (least he shoud attempt his escape) to keep him handcuffd till you get to Sea—or in the Bay—after which I doubt not but you may make him very useful to you.

Male

---

To a Negroe Tom sold in St Kitts to a certn [certain] Mr French for £40..0..0 ^St. Kitts My [Money]^ equal to £27..17..[0] C. [Current] Virga [Virginia] Curry [Currency]

Male

---

By freight & Commn [Commission] of the Negroe [Tom]

Male

---

To Cash of Captn Jos[ep]h Thompson £8.4.6 St Kitts Money equal to

Male

---

Memorandum of the Sale of the Negores &c. at Washingtons Bottom Octr 5th 1786 Simon. To Bazil & Thomas Brown P Bond £100..0..[0] Joe. To Ephraim Douglass Esqr £81..0..[0] Allice. To Do Do [Ephraim Douglass Esqr] 70..15..[0] Dorcas. To Do Do [Ephraim Douglass Esqr] 13..15..[0] P Bond James Hammond Surety [Total] 165..10..[0] Lydia. To Peter Patterson & Thos Patterson surety 45..10..[0] Nance & Young Child. to James Hammond, Ephraim Douglass surety 80..5..[0] Tom & Charity The Twins. To Samuel Burns, William Sunderland Surety 27..10..[0] …Thomas Freeman

Male

---

If I can sell the Negroes I mention’d to you by private Sale I will—but the Best way of Sellg [Selling] is at Publick Sale

Male

---

…with regard to Sellg [Selling] the Negroes Mention'd, you have put it out of my power, by saying you would not sell them without their Consent...unless I was to make a Publick Sale of those Negroes & pay no regard to their being Willing or not, I see no probability of sellg [selling] them—but this is a matter that may be fixd [fixed] when I see you, I believe the price of them will keep up at least for this Summer…

Male

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you again say you wish to get quit of negroes, before the rect of this you will find that in a former Letter I have desired that you will tell me in plain terms, whether I shall sell your Negroes at Publick sale or not, & how many of them & indeed Who.

Male

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To Cash for the Following Negroes. Abram, Orford, Tom, Jack, Ede, Fattimore, Phillis, Bett & Jenny 2303..19..0

Male

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By Cash for the Followg Negroes Abram, Orford, Tom, Jack, Ede, Fattimore, Phillis, Bett & Jenny 2303..19..0

Male

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The advantages resulting from the sale of my negroes, I have very little doubt of; because, as I observed in my last, if we should ultimately prove unsuccessful (of which I am under no apprehension unless it falls on us as a punishment for our want of public, & indeed private virtue) it would be a matter of very little consequence to me, whether my property is in Negroes, or loan office Certificates, as I shall neither ask for, nor expect any favor from his most gracious Majesty, nor any person acting under his authority; the only points therefore for me to consider, are—first, whether it would be most to my interest, in case of a fortunate determination of the present contest, to have negroes, and the Crops they will make; or the sum they will now fetch and the interest of the money. And, secondly, the critical moment to make this sale With respect to the first point (if a negro man will sell at, or near one thousand pounds, and women & children in proportion) I have not the smallest doubt on which side the balance, placed in the scale of interest, will preponderate: My scruples arise from a reluctance in offering these people at public vendue, and on account of the uncertainty of timeing the sale well—In the first case, if these poor wretches are to be held in a state of slavery, I do not see that a change of masters will render it more irksome, provided husband & wife, and Parents & children are not separated from each other, which is not my intention to do. And with respect to the second, the judgment, founded in a knowledge of circumstances, is the only criterion for determining when the tide of depreciation is at an end; for like the flux & reflux of the water, it will no sooner have got to its full ebb or flow, but an immediate turn takes place, and every thing runs in a contrary direction. To hit this critical moment then, is the point; and a point of so much nicety, that the longer I reflect upon the subject, the more embarrassed I am in my opinion; for if a sale takes place while the money is in a depreciating state—that is, before it has arrived at the lowest ebb of depreciation; I shall lose the difference—and if it is delayed, ’till some great & important event shall give a decisive turn in favor of our affairs, it may be too late. Notwithstanding, upon a full consideration of the whole matter; if you have done nothing in consequence of my last letter, I wou’d have you wait ’till you hear further from me on this subject. I will, in the meanwhile, revolve the matter in my mind more fully, and may possibly be better able to draw some more precise conclusions than at present; while you may be employed in endeavouring to ascertain the highest prices Negroes sell at, in different parts of the Country—where, and in what manner it would be best to sell them, when such a measure is adopted, (which I think will very likely happen in the course of a few months.)

Male

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To 1 Negro Fellow named Troy

Male

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To a Negroe Fellow named Troy

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By Cash paid Mr. Joseph Valentine

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To pd Mr Rind for advertising the sale of Negroes £ ..5.."

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Sale of Colo. Colvills Negroes.

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Again, if you can dispose of your Crop, as it now stands, to any tolerable advantage, the expences, & Inconveniences which are here pointed out, are avoided, your Negroes and other things will be then sold at once, & but a very little while perhaps before the Court may decree it; and at a time (it being about Market) when money is easiest obtaind; which will be better in my opinion, than to make two Sales…

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You will no doubt be informd by your Sons, that every thing which is not under Security to me hath been Attached—Many of them sold—and the rest on the point of selling; It remains however for me to add, that, some of the Effects which were Included in your Bill of Sale to me, have undergone the same fate, and many of the others continually wasting by various and unforseen Accidents.

Cultivator of the Soil

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To be SOLD for ready money, at Rover's Delight in Fairfax county, on Monday the 23d inst. (October) A TRACT of valuable LAND in said county, lying on Potowmack river; adjoining to the land on which the subscriber now keeps ferry, and very fit for farming. On the premises is a large barn, 60 feet by 30, framed and shingled; eight framed barracks 26 feet square, a large corn-house, and sundry other houses, with a good fishery appertaining. At the same time and place, and upon the same terms, will likewise be sold about twenty-five choice SLAVES, consisting of men, women, and children. Also sundry horses, cattle, sheep, and hogs; together with various kinds of household furnishing and implements of husbandry. The money arising from the sales to be paid into the hands of George Washington, Esq; JOHN POSEY

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Went to Poseys Sale. Returnd at Night with Colo. Mason Mr. Ross, Mr. Sebastian Mr. Harrison Mr. Magowan & Colo. Masons Son George.

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Went to the Sale again. Mr. Harrison Mr. Sebastian & Mr. Magowan came home with me also Robt. Alexander. Found Doctr. Rumney here.

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Went to the Sale again. Mr. Harrison & Mr. Magowan returnd home with me.

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I am exceeding sorry to hear of your unfortunate Circumstances and wish that the situation of my own Engagements, woud permit me to subscribe more largely to your relief than they will; but having several pretty large Sums of my own to pay it is utterly out of my power (with any sort of convenience) to advance more than One hundred pounds for the purpose and on the terms you mention; this I am willing to do, and accordingly have wrote to the Trustees informing them thereof…

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Also gave Colo. Bassett an Acct [Account] agt [against] the Treasury for £36.9.3 and Cash to the amt [amount] of £63.10.9 to pay Bernd [Bernard] Moores Trustee’s £100—Mr Nicholas to deduct however out of the £36.9.3 the Money due Lord Bottetourts Estate.

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By the Trustees of Colo. Bernd Moore pr Colo. [Burwell] Bassett [Folio reference] 46 100..[0]..[0]

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To Ditto [Cash] receivd of the Treasury [of Virginia] pr Colo. [Burwell] Bassett [Folio reference] 30 36..9..3

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... I am to inform you that my Estate was sold on purpose to discharge the debt due to you, and others that my friend Colo. Baylor was bound for me, Young Mr Edmund Pendleton has all the Bonds to collect for all the Negroes that was sold, by the particular desire of Colo. Baylor before his death, and if you will be so kind to write to him, or his Unkle Colo. Pendleton he will I believe pay both the Principal & interest; Colo. Pendleton is Colo. Baylors Executor, who I am sure will discharge the interest immediately, if not the principal. Mr Walker is now making out a proper list of the Negroes that was purchased by my friends for my use, and you may be assured that every thing proper will be done to secure you, and my other friends who was so kind to assist me.

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To my Credit at the Sale of His Negroes Jany 1771 - to be laid out in Negroes for his use, and Wifes, after the decease of whom, to be sold for the benefit of myself & others - see Colo. Moores Letter & Mr Jno. Walker's Rect for the money & engagement thereupon; May 12th 1772 } 100..[0]..[0] Settled

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I apply’d to Colo. Moores Trustees & let them know that you had sent the Money by me that you agreed to lend Colo. Moore & the terms that you expected to advance it on, there answer was that you was upon different terms with others for you had wrote to them to give Colo. Moore Cr. for £100 & that you would pay the Money upon which I pay the Money by there order to Geo. Brookes a day or two after this Mr John Walker come to town & I spoke to him on the subject & he has agreed that you shall be on the same terms as others & has given me and Instrement in writing Obliging himself to make us a Deed for the Negroes to return to us after the Death of Colo. Moore & his Lady.

Laborer

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Eight—As the rest of the servants were sold, and the money by this time become due I have desired Mr Vale. [Valentine] Crawford if he has received it, to pay it to you, and if he has not to let you have the purcharsers bonds, which give to Mr Simpson, and desire him to Collect the money and apply it towards payment of the mill Accounts—If you can get Corn or other Provisions, Tools; or other things of Vale. [Valentine] Crawford, I would have you do it, as it will save me the payment of Cash, but be sure to have the matter fixed in such a manner with him as to run no risque of a disappointment.

Unknown

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... If Negroes could be given in Exchange for this Land of Marshalls, or Sold at a proportionable price, I should prefer it to the Sale of Morris's Land as I still have some latent hope that Frenchs Lands may be had of D -- for it. but either I wd. [would] part with.

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... with respect to the Lands therein mentiond (Marshalls & Barrys) in my endeavours to Purchase them, I shall make use of every art in my power to prevent them from putg [putting] too great a price on them, & if in the Bargain I can prevail on them to take Negroes Value’d as they now sell, I will.

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I have now—at your request—given my full consent to the Sale of the Lands wch I hold in right of Dower in a Tract in the County of York—to a Water Grist Mill thereon—To Lotts in the City of Williamsburg—and others in James Town—As also to your Renting, or otherwise disposing, of the other Dower Lands & Slaves which I am possessed of in the County of King William upon the terms which have been specifically agreed & subscribed to.

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The advantages resulting from the sale of my negroes, I have very little doubt of; because, as I observed in my last, if we should ultimately prove unsuccessful (of which I am under no apprehension unless it falls on us as a punishment for our want of public, & indeed private virtue) it would be a matter of very little consequence to me, whether my property is in Negroes, or loan office Certificates, as I shall neither ask for, nor expect any favor from his most gracious Majesty, nor any person acting under his authority; the only points therefore for me to consider, are—first, whether it would be most to my interest, in case of a fortunate determination of the present contest, to have negroes, and the Crops they will make; or the sum they will now fetch and the interest of the money. And, secondly, the critical moment to make this sale With respect to the first point (if a negro man will sell at, or near one thousand pounds, and women & children in proportion) I have not the smallest doubt on which side the balance, placed in the scale of interest, will preponderate: My scruples arise from a reluctance in offering these people at public vendue, and on account of the uncertainty of timeing the sale well—In the first case, if these poor wretches are to be held in a state of slavery, I do not see that a change of masters will render it more irksome, provided husband & wife, and Parents & children are not separated from each other, which is not my intention to do. And with respect to the second, the judgment, founded in a knowledge of circumstances, is the only criterion for determining when the tide of depreciation is at an end; for like the flux & reflux of the water, it will no sooner have got to its full ebb or flow, but an immediate turn takes place, and every thing runs in a contrary direction. To hit this critical moment then, is the point; and a point of so much nicety, that the longer I reflect upon the subject, the more embarrassed I am in my opinion; for if a sale takes place while the money is in a depreciating state—that is, before it has arrived at the lowest ebb of depreciation; I shall lose the difference—and if it is delayed, ’till some great & important event shall give a decisive turn in favor of our affairs, it may be too late. Notwithstanding, upon a full consideration of the whole matter; if you have done nothing in consequence of my last letter, I wou’d have you wait ’till you hear further from me on this subject. I will, in the meanwhile, revolve the matter in my mind more fully, and may possibly be better able to draw some more precise conclusions than at present; while you may be employed in endeavouring to ascertain the highest prices Negroes sell at, in different parts of the Country—where, and in what manner it would be best to sell them, when such a measure is adopted, (which I think will very likely happen in the course of a few months.)

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...there are two debts, which press hard upon me. One of which, if there is no other resource, I must sell Land or Negroes to discharge. It is owing to Govr Clinton of New York, who was so obliging as to borrow, & became my Security for £2500 to answer some calls of mine. This sum was to be returned in twelve months from the conclusion of Peace. For the remains of it, about eight hundred pounds York C[urrenc]y I am now paying an interest of seven Pr Ct; but the high interest (tho’ more than any estate can bear) I should not regard, if my credit was not at stake to comply with the conditions of the loan.

Unknown

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Memorandum of the Sale of the Negores &c. at Washingtons Bottom Octr 5th 1786 Simon. To Bazil & Thomas Brown P Bond £100..0..[0] Joe. To Ephraim Douglass Esqr £81..0..[0] Allice. To Do Do [Ephraim Douglass Esqr] 70..15..[0] Dorcas. To Do Do [Ephraim Douglass Esqr] 13..15..[0] P Bond James Hammond Surety [Total] 165..10..[0] Lydia. To Peter Patterson & Thos Patterson surety 45..10..[0] Nance & Young Child. to James Hammond, Ephraim Douglass surety 80..5..[0] Tom & Charity The Twins. To Samuel Burns, William Sunderland Surety 27..10..[0] …Thomas Freeman

Unknown

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He [Mr. Lear] will call upon you in his way out, or in; and by him I should be glad to know what has been done with my Negroes: if sold, to whom, on what credit and for what sum.

Laborer

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I had the favour of yours by Mr Lear, and by that I imagine you did not receive mine of the 9th October, in which I gave you an Acct of the Sale of the Negroes &c. therefore I have Inclosed a Copy of the same herewith to you. … In the Sale of the Negroes there is one Named Dorcas that you Receivd of Mr Simpson as a Slave proves to be free at the Age of Twenty Eight Years the Records from Westmoreland we had & I took the Supreme Judge McKeans Opinion on the matter & he declares her free, so that you must have recourse to Mr Simpson as you Settled with him at the rate of Thirty Pounds and now after keeping her Two Years she Sold at Thirteen Pounds fifteen shillings as [per] acct. I should not have Sold the Negroes but they would not be Prevailed with to come down from any Argument I could use.

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My Father, particularly attached to his property in Negroes, by his will devised them specifically to his children,…This deprived his exectrs of the power to sell any of the Negroes…until they had first sold the land and applied the whole profit thereof to the payment of his Debts.

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When I wrote to you about the Genls Debt you informed me, he wished me not to sell anything on his acct…but as the negroes will be sold by somebody…he is better intitled to them…I would request him to send the bonds immediately…let me give him a judgt at March court next; Directing it to be levied on the Negroes...& have them purchased for him.

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My own interest in the personal estate I have long since sacrificed to the benefit of the creditors, by selling my share of negroe, which my mother delived to me, & paying them the amount…

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Mr Dandridge for reasons which he can better explain to you than I, have requested that the enclosed Bonds may be put in Suit. I beg it may be done accordingly.

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I suppose the Genl [General] has informed him [Burwell Bassett] that when judgement is obtained & an execution levied on the negroes of my Fathers Estate, he [Bassett] or myself may purchase on the Genl's [General's] account.

Unknown

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The Negroes are at length divided, but all the things of the Old Ladys [Mary Ball Washington] are not yet quite dispos’d of, as there were many wch cd not (with propriety) be sent to Vandue, and Mrs Lewis sells them off to Private Purchacers

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To Mr John Dandridge recd [received] of him for a Run away negro sold by him for me [$] 200

Male

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To cash recd [received] from Mr Jno [John] Dandridge by his Brother Barthw [Bartholomew] Dandridge for a Runaway Negro sold viz - 200 Dollars [$] 200

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...and I do hereby expressly forbid the Sale, or transportation out of the said Commonwealth, of any Slave I may die possessed of, under any pretense whatsoever.

Unknown

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Should my Aunt pursue the plan I have recommended of getting clear of her negroes & of plantation cares & troubles, there will be horses, Mules, cattle, sheep, hogs & plantation utensils for sale to a considerable amount…

Female

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...with regard to Sellg [Selling] the Negroes Mention’d, you have put it out of my power, by saying you woud not sell them without their Consent—I was very near Sellg Bett, indeed I had sold her for 200£ to a man Liveg in Bottetourt Cty, But her Mother appeard to be so uneasy about it, and Bett herself made such promises of amendment, that I coud not Force her to go with the Man…

Female

Cultivator of the Soil

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To be SOLD for ready money, at Rover's Delight in Fairfax county, on Monday the 23d inst. (October) A TRACT of valuable LAND in said county, lying on Potowmack river; adjoining to the land on which the subscriber now keeps ferry, and very fit for farming. On the premises is a large barn, 60 feet by 30, framed and shingled; eight framed barracks 26 feet square, a large corn-house, and sundry other houses, with a good fishery appertaining. At the same time and place, and upon the same terms, will likewise be sold about twenty-five choice SLAVES, consisting of men, women, and children. Also sundry horses, cattle, sheep, and hogs; together with various kinds of household furnishing and implements of husbandry. The money arising from the sales to be paid into the hands of George Washington, Esq; JOHN POSEY

Male

Shoemaker

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I told you in a former Letter I had got Adam’s Negroe—the Fellow says he had much rather be sold in Maryland than live in Virginia—and as you seem willing to sell him, if any of those people who you have money to pay on Ac[coun]t of Adams will take him, I shall let them have him.

Male

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To Doctor Jas [James] Craik for Adam's Negroe Man Will. Sold for £100 Maryld C. [Currency]

Male

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To Cash paid Mr Jno. Gutridge for freight & Charges of Transporting a Negro Will to Port-au prince in bringg Molasses in return 13..11..6

Male

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By Cash pd [paid] Mr Gutridge on Acct of Mr Custis 13..11..6

Female

Cultivator of the Soil

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To be SOLD for ready money, at Rover's Delight in Fairfax county, on Monday the 23d inst. (October) A TRACT of valuable LAND in said county, lying on Potowmack river; adjoining to the land on which the subscriber now keeps ferry, and very fit for farming. On the premises is a large barn, 60 feet by 30, framed and shingled; eight framed barracks 26 feet square, a large corn-house, and sundry other houses, with a good fishery appertaining. At the same time and place, and upon the same terms, will likewise be sold about twenty-five choice SLAVES, consisting of men, women, and children. Also sundry horses, cattle, sheep, and hogs; together with various kinds of household furnishing and implements of husbandry. The money arising from the sales to be paid into the hands of George Washington, Esq; JOHN POSEY