Feb 21, 2008 - Sale 2137

Sale 2137 - Lot 7

Price Realized: $ 11,400
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 4,000 - $ 6,000
AN EXCEPTIONAL GROUP OF MSS. (SLAVERY AND ABOLITION.) Group of five manuscript documents relating to slave-dealer Robert Bostock, (1784-1847) a Liverpool trader active from 1810-1813, when 233 slaves were seized at one of his factories. Totaling 14 folio pages including docketing; paper evenly toned, creases where folded. Overall very good condition. should be seen. Sierra Leone, 1810-1813
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Additional Details

1. Agreement between Charles Mason and Robert Bostock and a group of local chiefs to establish a "factory" (a much-used euphemism for a slave-dealing center) on Bana island on the Gallinas River in Sierra Leone. 13 November, 1810. One page, folio. Signed by five local chiefs with x next to their names.
2. Document signed by two slave-traders Phillipa Hayes and John Stirling Mills attesting that they sold slaves to Mason and Bostock's St Paul "Factory." 1 July, 1813. This letter is quite detailed, describing how the slaves are traded and mentioning John McQuin, an American dealer from Charleston. Four pages folio.
3. Document describing the seizure of 233 slaves on June 27th, 1813. Dated 11 July, 1813. This document is titled "Qui Tam," meaning an action sought by an individual, John Edward Browne, on behalf of the Crown. Four pages folio.
4. Document signed by a native woman (?) Mrs. Boy, promising "We will not henceforth enslave any of our fellow creatures or allow them to be shipped away from our territories." July, 1813. One page folio.
5. Letter from Captain Roach to John Stirling Mills, regarding the seizure of the slaves, and the case against all of the parties involved. "I am safe onboard the Kitty once more. I left Phillipa about 3 o'clock with one crewman. I should have told you and Phillipa of my intentions but thought it would make you a party concerned." A post script adds "Tell Phillipa she had better send the children off in the boat," adding "you may show this letter to Bostock." After this, J.S. Mill has added another note to Bostock. Four pages folio.