Texas Slave Bill of Sale / SOLD

Description

Texas Slave Bill of Sale

State of Texas } Orange County } Be it known that I John R. Smart by and through my true and lawful attorney John McGee both of the Parish of Sabine and State of Louisiana have this day bargained, sold and delivered unto John Turner of the above State and County a certain negro man named April of dark complexion about twenty eight years of age and a slave for life for the consideration of thirteen hundred dollars. I further covenant with the said Turner that the said slave is sound of body and mind for the faithful performance of which I bind myself my heirs and assigns. In testimony whereof I through my attorney have hereunto set my name this the 29th day of Jan. A.D. 1856. John R. Smart by John McGee Attest: R. W. Smart Elijah Stephenson.

This document is a legally binding bill of sale executed on January 29, 1856, in Orange County, Texas. It records the sale of an enslaved man named April, described as being of “dark complexion” and about 28 years old, for the sum of $1,300. The seller was John R. Smart of Sabine Parish, Louisiana, who used John McGee as his attorney-in-fact (legal representative). The buyer was John Turner, a resident of Orange County, Texas. Witnesses R. W. Smart and Elijah Stephenson attested to the transaction. At the time, enslaved people were treated under law as chattel property, meaning they could be bought, sold, mortgaged, or inherited. This document follows the common legal formula of slave bills of sale in the antebellum South—affirming ownership, attesting to the health and soundness of the enslaved person, and binding the seller and heirs against future disputes.

Inventory Number: CON 624