Mar 26, 2015 - Sale 2377

Sale 2377 - Lot 30

Unsold
Estimate: $ 600 - $ 900
SLAVERY IN COURT. FREDERICK COUNTY, MARYLAND. A suit brought by Peter Brengle of Frederick County concerning his purchase at the public sale of an "Unsound Negro" named Harry who soon died. Two manuscript documents, 4 pages folio, written on three sides, docketed on the fourth; 4 pages folio, written on all sides; creases where folded; paper toned, some light wear; a couple of small archival paper repairs. should be seen. Frederick County, Maryland, 1812

Additional Details

an interesting case. Brengle asserts that the sale was fraudulent in that the seller George French knew that the Negro had been unsound for twelve months, and that he was "Not worth the sum of two and sixpence." John Sigler, aged 47 testified in this deposition that "he knew the said Negro Harry from a small boy" and "took him to be a harty (sic) able young fellow to work and a sound Negro." Hauser, another witness testified to Harry's desire not to be separated from his wife and children; and if he were to be sold, his hope that the buyer would also buy his wife and children. It was then generally understood that Brengle was to purchase Harry and family for $590. Later that evening, "in a jocular conversation" with Hauser, he further testified that, French said that Harry was "an idle, lazy good-for-nothing fellow, and one of the most worthless on the farm, that he would not give 2/6 (two and six pence) fore the said Harry." But Hauser states that, several months after the sale, Brengle told him he was "Satisfied with his purchase, or words to that effect."