Original Item: One-of-a-kind. This document came to us in a purchase of a large American Civil War collection. Among the swords, muskets, pistols and a slew of documents was this and official bill of sale contract issued on a "State of South Carolina" headed legal document.

This is an item that speaks to the time of the lowest moral standing in perhaps any historical period of the United States. Today, it seems unimaginable that one person could actually "buy and sell" another. More frightning is that those days were a little more than 150 years ago.

This legal document, partially printed, completely filled in by longhand the front then very copiously on the back partially reads:

A NEGRO SLAVE "MARIA" AND HER CHILD "ELIZA" AND THEIR FUTURE INCREASE

Meaning, life ownership of these women and their issue at a cost of nine hundred dollars

This is a legal contract dated May 14th, 1857, just a few years before the attack on Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina. MARGARET GIDIERE to WILLIAM C. BREESE with several legal statements signed on the reverse.

Offered in very well-preserved, clean and clear condition. Measures approximately 8.5" x 17". Shows folds, thankfully there is very minor toning or spotting from age and the overall condition is very good with the original blue tone of the paper mostly present.