Manuscript document signed by 24 people. [South Carolina], [1838?]. 1 page. WITH Typed copy document. [South Carolina], n.d. 3 pages. 

A fascinating legal document fragment from the confession and hanging of an enslaved man named Essex. The original document states: "We the undersigned subscribers do hereby certify that the above is the true confession of the above name Negroe Essex who was hung on Friday 19th of October 1838 assented to under the gallow in presence of a numerous concourse of people." Followed by two columns of 24 signatures of witnesses. 

The three typed pages copy a now-lost document that records Essex's testimony consisting of ten separate confessions. He recounts that he was compelled by his master Riley to commit a series of crimes, including stealing and fraud. 

His most notable confession, however, is his final, in which he attests that Riley conspired to sell Essex to William Baxter, and then Essex would "run the risk of getting back home in order to make a small speculation. Riley told me if I could not get back the first night I could the second. Riley told me there was a first rate place to conceal me in the fine cellar and I could be kept there until this man Baxter was tired out searching for me, and by these means Riley could make some three or four hundred dollars"

At the sale, Baxter grew suspicious, and "accordingly Baxter attacked Riley to know if he was making agreement for me to run away." Riley made assurances to Baxter but secretly emphasized to Essex, "You must bring that money. He has a fine wad in his bosom."

Essex then confesses: "I started with my master William Baxter for North Carolina and traveled on until we came to South Carolina, Pickens District. We camped at Toxoway and there I accomplished the murder of three persons, my master Wm. Baxter and his son James N. Baxter, and his niece Caroline and go the prize I was sent after by RIley, and that was the first place an opportunity afforded." 

A fascinating relic from a compelling case of crime and murder. 

[African Americana, African American History, Black History, Slavery, Enslavement, Abolition, Emancipation] [Manuscripts, Documents, Letters, Ephemera, Signatures, Autographs] [Crime, Crime & Punishment, Hanging, Executions, Death Penalty]

Tape residue, small losses.