Feb 26, 2009 - Sale 2171

Sale 2171 - Lot 3

Unsold
Estimate: $ 800 - $ 1,200
COLONIAL CHARLESTOWN, MASSACHUSETS (SLAVERY AND ABOLITION.) MANUSCRIPT DOCUMENT, signed. Letter from a Colonial planter to the Selectmen of the County regarding his slaves. Single small 4to sheet, written on both sides; paper evenly toned; creases where folded. Charleston, Sept. 9th, 1751

Additional Details

Mr. Isaac Royall of Charlestown, Massachusetts writes to the selectmen about loss of his profits citing problems in shipping sugar from Surinam to Holland and the health of his slaves. Royall (1721-1781) was a soldier in the service of England, and according to Appleton, "a wealthy resident of Medford, which he represented for many years in the General Court." With all of the problems he had suffered, Royall tells them he will not be able to pay the five hundred and ten pounds taxes they have imposed on him. Faithful to the crown, Royall''s property was seized by the American patriots in 1778. He died a few years later in England.