Manuscript document signed. Logan County, [Kentucky], 14 May 1830. 3 pages, folio. Docketed to verso. 

A fascinating legal document surrounding the issue of a slave who was purchased and his health at the time of purchase. 

The document reads in part: "Seth & Josiah Woodrige as to the cohort in relation to the Negro in the bill set forth. He is not advised, and hereforto retains full proof that the slave Jonah as they answered and believing the Negro purchased was at the time of said sale (slaves) not deceased and is set forth in the said bill that they are advised that said complainants had a full opportunity to examine him and decide in relation to his health some time after the time stated. The respondent is informed that the said Levi in his first draft; offered to rescind the cohort about the said Negro, and said Boyce declared that he would not, that he had bought the Negro for his own use and that he would now like fifty dollars for his trade. Any deny in that?"

The document continues: "Levi had to take back said negro from Smith because he was discarded, as far as they known, or believe. They require full proof of the statements made in the bill in relation to the said health of said Negro at the time of this trade. The respondent Josiah, states that he paid a valuable consideration to his brother Levi in money for which this respondent was security and in the case of his said debts for the said note of $144 denies the holds that in trust. It was never was delivered to him as his own...He denies that they were appraised that said Negro was discarded at the time of the complaints purchased him. They each insist without any knowledge that these would be complaints in regard to them. These respondents having answered fully may be hence dismissed with their costs."

An unusual court document. 

 [Civil War, Union, Confederate] [African Americana, African American History, Black History, Slavery, Enslavement, Abolition, Emancipation]  [Manuscripts, Documents, Letters, Ephemera, Signatures, Autographs] 

Separations along old folds.