Bill of sale for Will, an enslaved man

A. J. Burke, American, born 1817 · 1858

A bill of sale for a man named Will from Benjamin H. Grist to David W. Lamb for the sum of $1,285.32, with approximately half of that cost being due January 1, 1859. The document is a letterpress printed form entitled [MORTGAGE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY - Printed and sold by A.J. Burke, 40 Broad St.] at the top right corner. The document begins with large decorative text reading [The State of South Carolina] and [TO ALL WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME]. The form is completed with cursive script in black ink. The paper is folded in half, with the legal language taking up the front and back of the first page. Henry Brist signed at bottom left of the second page, and Benjamin H. Grist signed on the bottom right of that page. On the third page is written testimony by Charles Macbeth confirming that Henry Brist swore that he witnessed Benjamin H. Grist sign the mortgage. Paper is machine-made with overall blue pigment. There is discoloration along fold lines and edges. On the back, which when folded serves as the front, the document is labeled Benjamin H. Grist / mortgage / of / slave Will / to / David W. Lamb].