Feb 27, 2003 - Sale 1961

Sale 1961 - Lot 19

Price Realized: $ 805
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 400 - $ 600
(SLAVERY and ABOLITION.) Manuscript book of Depositions involving slaves and the estate of Davis Stone, kept by G. Thomas Slaughter, probably the son of Gabriel Slaughter, governor of Kentucky from 1816-20. [58] pages. Small 4to, sheep-backed boards, very discolored and worn; a few signatures loose, evidence of the excision of a few leaves from the rear. Bloomfield, KY, 1856

Additional Details



A highly unusual compilation of depositions made to Slaughter, probably in the capacity of judge, regarding the workings of an estate following the decease of the owner. The volume begins with a list of those slaves that died just prior to Mr. Isaac Stone taking over the estate for the widow of Davis Stone. There follows a complete list of 24 slaves and their children. Depositions continue regarding the worth of each slave, citing medical expenses, etc. For example, one slave is described as "worth her victuals and board only." A complex series of entries regarding the hiring out of these slaves and whatever monies they earned for Isaac and depositions regarding Mrs. Stone, are interspersed with information on the slaves.