Notarial Records, Pages 30-91. St. Landry Parish, Louisiana Transcribed and Submitted by Mike Miller Date: 1999-2000 African American records extracted by: S.K. Martin-Quiatte - redstick4@uswest.net ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** Source: Family History Library Microfilm #1412749, Item 3, Notarial Records, St. Landry Parish, Page 30-49 Prudhomme To Richard Release of Mortgage [Slaves] Recorded 9th August 1836 Moise Hebert To William B. Lewis Sale of Slave Recorded 16th August 1836 Source: Family History Library Microfilm #1412749, Item 3, Notarial Records, St. Landry Parish, Page 49-75. Ann Offutt wid. Miramond To Eliza Posey wife of Offutt Donation of Slave Recorded 29th September 1836 Cyrille Thibodeau To Marie Richard widow Thibodeau Sale of Slave Recorded 3rd October 1836 Adolphe Richard To Pierre Pitre Sale of Slave Recorded 3rd October 1836 Maurice and Susan Moore To Marsden Campbell and John H. Overton Mortgage [Land and Slaves] Recorded 8th October 1836 Marcellin Garand To Robert D. Winds Sale of Slave Recorded 13th October 1836 Rice Garland To Robert D. Windes Sale of Slave recorded 14th October 1836 Theodore Mudd To Rice Garland Recorded 15th October 1836 Sale of Slaves William Clagett To Rice Garland Sale of Slaves Recorded 15th October 1836 John Tyler To Rice Garland Sale of Slaves Recorded 15th October 1836 Kreps Gradenigo To Rachel Ferguson Sale of Slave Recorded 19 November 1836 Kreps Gradenigo [Free man of color] To E. D. White Governor Bond for Grog Shop Recorded 22 November 1836 Richard To Richard Emancipation Recorded 28th November 1836 Moses Hebert To John Lynn Daniel Agreement [includes a number of slaves] Recorded 29th November 1836 William B. Lewis To Thomas H. Lewis Sale of Slave Recorded 9th December 1836 Source: Family History Library Microfilm #1412749, Item 3, Notarial Records, St. Landry Parish, Page 75-91. Amanda M. Harris, widow Samuel E. Bell To Dr. George Hill Sale of Slave Recorded 9th December 1836 James Nuttal [North Carolina] To Benjamin R. Rogers Letter regarding sale of slaves; see next instrument also. Recorded 10th December [1836] James Nuttall To George Hill Sale of Slave Recorded 10th December 1836 Stephen W. Wickoff To Thomas A. Cook Sale of Slaves Recorded 5th January 1837 William M. Prescott To Robert McCrory Sale of Slave Recorded 9th January 1837 Thomas Hayes To Thomas Keller Sale of Slave Recorded 20 January 1837 Jacob Anselm To David Akison Jr. Sale of Slaves Recorded 25 January 1837 Thomas Hayes To Jane Hayes Donation of Slaves Recorded 27th January 1837 Michel Prudhomme To John Rider Sale of Slave Recorded 30 January 1837 Edmund H. Martin To Crawford Lyons Sale of Slave Recorded 31 January 1837 William and John Moore[St. Martin Parish] To Felix Dejean Sale of Slave Recorded 4th February 1837 John Roach To William Brandt Indenture of Apprenticeship Recorded 11 February 1837 Benjamin F. Linton To Francis B. T. Burgess Agreement & Reciprocal Sale of Land & Slaves Recorded 11 Feb[r]uary 1837 Prudhomme To Richard Release of Mortgage [Slaves] Recorded 9th August 1836 Whereas at a sale by auction of the Estate of the late Caroline Young of the Parish of St. Landry deceased made on the twenty third day of April One thousand eight hundred and thirty two by George King Parish Judge of the aforesaid Parish, Eugene Richard of said parish purchased a negro woman named Elizabeth aged about twenty two years with her child a mulatto boy named Robert about 18 months old for the sum of five hundred and sixty dollars payable one hundred dollars in Cash, & one third of the remainder on the 15th day of April 1833 one third on the 15th day of April 1834 and the remaining third on the 15th day of April 1835 the said slaves remaining specially mortgaged until the final payment of principal & interest from the time due at the rate of ten percent per annum. All of which more fully appear by reference to the proces verbal of said sale and whereas said Richard has punctually paid said purchase according to the terms of the sale as aforesaid to Michel Prudhomme adm[inistrato]r. of said Estate legally authorized to receive the same, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged. Now therefore be it known that the said Michel Prudhomme has released, cancelled & annulled and does hereby release, cancel & annul b these presents the above recited mortgage full and effectually as though the same had never existed.. In testimony whereof the said Michel Prudhomme as administrator as aforesaid, has hereunto signed in presence of Caleb Green Jr. & Robert Burleigh competent witnesses and before George King Parish Judge & ex-officio Notary Public in & for the Parish of St. Landry at Opelousas this ninth day of August in the Year One thousand Eight hundred and thirty six. Michel Prudome (seal) Witness Caleb Green Jr. Robert Burleigh Geo King P. Judge ***************************************************************************** Moise Hebert To William B. Lewis Sale of Slave Recorded 16th August 1836 This act of sale made this sixteenth day of August One thousand eight hundred and thirty Six between Moise Heber Jr. of the State of Louisiana & Parish of St. Landry of the one part & William B. Lewis of the same State & Parish of the other part Witnesseth that for & in consideration of the price & sum of one thousand dollars Cash in hand paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, the said Hebert has bargained & sold & does by this act grant bargain sell alien convey set over & deliver unto William B. Lewis aforesaid a certain negro boy named Ben aged about seventeen years. To have & to hold the said slave to the said Lewis his heirs & assigns free from the lawful claims of all persons whatever & with guarantee against all redhibitory vices diseases & defects. The certificate required by the 3328th Article of the Louisiana Code is dispensed with by the purchaser. In testimony whereof the said parties have hereunto signed at Opelousas in presence of Caleb Green Jr. & Benoit Debaillon and before George King Parish Judge & ex-officio Notary Public in & for said Parish the day and Year above written. M. Hebert Jr. (seal) W. B. Lewis (seal) Witness Bte. Debaillon Caleb Green Jr. Geo. King P. Judge Ann Offutt wid. Miramond To Eliza Posey wife of Offutt Donation of Slave Recorded 29th September 1836 This deed made this twenty nineth [sic] day day [sic] of September in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty Six between Ann Offutt widow Meramond of the State of Louisiana & Parish of St. Landry of the one part & Eliza Posey wife of William Offutt of the same state & parish of the other Witnesseth, that in consideration of her love & affection towards the said Eliza Posey & for divers other good causes and consideration she the said Ann Offutt widow Meramond hath given & granted aliened and confirmed and by these presents doth give grant alien & confirm unto the aforesaid Eliza Posey her heirs executors administrators and assigns forever a certain negro girl slave named Liza aged about seventeen years. To have and To hold the aforesaid slave to her the said Eliza Posey her heirs &c forever. And the said Ann Offutt for herself her heirs executors and administrators the said slave against the lawful claims of all persons whomsoever to the said Eliza Posey her heirs &c does hereby warrant and will forever defend. In testimony whereof she has hereunto signed and affixed her seal together with the said Eliza Posey hereby accepting by & with the consent and authority of her said husband who hath also signed at Opelousas in presence of Victor Meramond & Benoit Debaillon competent witness and before George King Parish Judge in & for the s[ai]d Parish the day and Year above written. Ann Meramond (seal) Eliza Offutt (seal) Wm. Offutt (seal) Witnesses Ve. Meramonde Bt. Debaillon Geo. King P. Judge ***************************************************************************** Cyrille Thibodeau To Marie Richard widow Thibodeau Sale of Slave Recorded 3rd October 1836 This act of Sale passed this third day of October in the Year One thousand eight hundred & thirty six between Cyrille Thibodeau of the State of Louisiana & Parish of St. Landry of the one part & Marie Lilie Richard widow of Jean Baptiste Thibodeau of the same State and Parish of the other part Witnesseth that for & in consideration of the price and sum of three hundred dollars cash in hand to him paid about six years ago, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, the said Cyrille Thibodeau has bargained and sold and does by these presents grant bargain sell alien convey set over and deliver unto the said Marie Lilie Richard, a certain negro boy named Prudent aged about thirteen years. To have and To hold the said slave to her the said Marie Lelie Richard & her heirs forever and the title to the said slave the said Cyrille Thibodeau for himself his heirs &c to her the said Maire [sic] Lelie Richard her heirs &c does warrant and will forever defend. He also warrants said slave free from all ridhibitory [sic] vices deseases [sic] & defects. The certificate required by the 3328th Article of the Louisiana Code is dispensed with by the purchaser. In testimony whereof the parties have [Page 52] hereunto signed at Opelousas in presence of Caleb Green Jr. & Alexandere Dessasarts competent witnesses and before George King Parish Judge & ex-officio Notary Public in [and] for the aforesaid Parish of Saint Landry the day and Year above written. Cyrille Thibodeau (seal) Marie Lelie x Richard (seal) Widow Jean Bt. Thibodeau Witness Caleb Green Jr. Desersarts Geo. King P. Judge ***************************************************************************** Adolphe Richard To Pierre Pitre Sale of Slave Recorded 3rd October 1836 This act of Sale passed this third day of October in the Year One thousand eight hundred thirty six between Adolphe Richard of the State of Louisiana and Parish of St. Landry of the One part and Pierre Pitre of the same State and Parish of the other part Witnesseth that for and in consideration of the sum of Eight Hundred and fifty dollars payable one third on the fifteenth of April one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven One third on the fifteenth of April one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight and the remaining third on the fifteenth of April One thousand eight hundred and thirty nine with interest at ten per cent per annum from time due until paid, the said Adolphe Richard has bargained and sold and does by these presence [sic] grant bargain sell alien convey set over and deliver unto the said Pierre Pitre a certain Negro boy slave named Jack aged about eleven Years. To have and To hold said slave to him the said Pierre Pitre his heirs & assigns forever And the title to the said slave free from the lawful demands of all persons whatsoever to him the said Pierre Pitre his heirs &c the said Adolphe Richard does hereby warrant and will forever defend. He also warrants him against all redhibitory [sic] vices deceases [sic] and defects. The certificate required by the 3328th Article of the Louisiana Code is dispensed with by the purchaser. In Order to secure the payment of the aforesaid purchase money the said Pierre Pitre mortgages and hypothicates the said slave to the said vendor, until final payment of principal and interest, and in order further to secure the payment of said purchase price Pierre Lacombe also signs these presents as binding himself for the payment of the same. Marie Eugunie [sic] Lavergne Widow Richard hereby signs as binding herself as security for the title to the aforesaid slave. In testimony of all which the parties to these presents have hereunto signed in presence of Caleb Green Jr. & Vital Estilette competent witnesses and before George king parish Judge in and for the aforesaid parish of St. Landry the day and Year first above written. Adolph Richard Mark x of Marie Eugunie [sic] Lavergne widow Richard Pierre x Pitre pere Pierre Lacomb Witness Vital Estilete Caleb Green Jr. Geo. King P. Judge ***************************************************************************** Silas F. Thomas [Avoyelles Parish] To Patrick H Glaze Power of Attorney Recorded 7th October 1836 Know all men by these presents that I , Silas F. Thomas of the State of Louisiana and parish of St. Avoyelles being about to depart therefrom, have deputed constituted and appointed Patrick H. Glaze of the same State and Parish aforesaid my Attorney in fact for me and in my name to transact generally all my business in said state of what naturesoever it may be to collect all monies and debts which are or may be due to me & to receipt and give acquit[t]ances for the same to sue for me and in my name for the aforesaid purposes or purposes and to employ counsel hereby satisfying and confirming whatsoever the said Glaze shall or may do or cause to be done for me and in my name as if I was personally present and the same had been done by me. In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed in presence of Caleb Green Jr. and Benoit Debaillon competent witnesses and before me George King Parish Judge this seventh day of October in the Year One thousand eight hundred and thirty six. S. F. Thomas Witness Caleb Green Jr. Bt. Debaillon Geo. King P. Judge ***************************************************************************** Maurice and Susan Moore To Marsden Campbell and John H. Overton Mortgage [Land and Slaves] Recorded 8th October 1836 Know all men by these presents that whereas on the [blank] day of [blank] last Marsden Campbell and John H. Overton of the State of Louisiana and Parish of St. Landry indorsed [sic] a note executed by Maurice Moore payable at the Office of discount and deposit of the Mechanics & Traders bank at Opelousas for the sum of [blank]. Now in order to secure the said Marsden Campbell and John Page 53] H. Overton in case of their being oblige [sic] to pay the amount of the said note or any part thereof, he the said Maurice Moore and Susan McKinzie his wife acting with the advice and consent of her husband have Mortgaged and do hereby Hypothicate and Mortgage to the said Marsden Campbell and John H. Overton their heirs and assigns the following property towit, all that certain tract or parcel of land situated on the West side of Bayou Chicot in the aforesaid parish of St. Landry and containing about three hundred and twelve and an half acres bounded on the upper side by land now or formerly belonging to John Walker & on the lower side by land formerly belonging to Joseph Willis and being the same tract acquired by the said Maurice Moore by purchase from Benjamin R. Rogers, also the following negro slaves towit, Daniel a negro man aged about thirty Years, Pompy aged about thirty Years, Big John aged about thirty three Years, Little John aged about thirty five Years, Betsey a negro woman twenty nine Years, Caroline a girl aged about twelve Years, Jemimah a negro woman aged about twenty seven Years, Kitty a negro woman about twenty nine Years, Margaret a negro woman aged about twenty one Years, a negro woman named Beck aged about forty seven Years, and Peggy a negro woman aged about forty seven Years, they the said Maurice Moore and Susan McKenzie binding themselves not to alienate deteriorate or incumber [sic] the said mortgaged property until the aforesaid sum of money shall have been paid & the said Marsden Campbell and John H. Overton released from the effects or thier [sic] aforesaid indorsement [sic]. The said Susan McKinzie having been informed by the undersigned Notary that she had a legal or tacit Mortgage upon all the property of her said husband for the restitution of her total effects, w[h]ether brought in marriage or subsequently acquired for the restitution of her paraphernal effects of which her said husband had the administration or enjoyment, for debts by her contracted with her said husband & for nuptial presents, declared that she was acquainted with her rights, and that she persisted in her intentions to approve and to ratify this act. It is further agreed by the said Morgageons [sic] that this mortgage shall have the force & effect of a Judgment at Law and that execution may issue thereon as soon as the said indorsers [sic] shall have made any payment on account of the aforesaid indorsement [sic]. In Testimony whereof the said Maurice Moore and Susan McKinzie his wife have hereunto signed in presence of Patrick H. Overton and John Sturling competent Witness and before George King Parish Judge in and for the aforesaid Parish of St. Landry & ex-officio Notary Public at Opelousas this eight day of October in the Year One thousand eight hundred and thirty Six. The mortgagees dispense with the production of the certificate required by the 3328th Article of the Louisiana Code. Maurice Moore Susan McMoore [sic] M. Campbelle J. J. Overton Witness Patrick Hy. Overton John Sturling Geo. King P. Judge ***************************************************************************** Marcellin Garand To Robert D. Winds Sale of Slave Recorded 13th October 1836 This deed of Sale made this thirteenth day of October One thousand eight hundred and thirty six between Marcellin Garand of the State of Louisiana and Parish of Saint Landry of the One part and Robert D. Winds of the same State and parish of Avoyell[e]s of the other part Witnesseth that for and in consideration of the price and sum of nine hundred and fifteen dollars payable in the first day of March next with interest at ten percent per annum from the date of these presents until final payment. The said Gerrard has bargained and sold and does by these presents grant bargain, sell alien convey set over and deliver unto the said Winds a certain negro woman Slave named Louisa aged about twenty Years. To have & To hold the said slave to the said Winds his heirs and assigns forever, and the title to the said Slave to him the said Winds free from the Lawful claims of all persons whatsoever, the said Garand does hereby warrant and will forever defend. The said Garand also guarantees the said slave to be free from the redhibitory vices diseases & defects. It is understood that the said Garand retain a special mortgage on said slave to secure the purchase money together with the interest that may accrue thereon . In testimony whereof the said parties have hereunto Signed at Opelousas in presence of Caleb Green Jr. & Benoit Debaillon Competent Witnesses and before George King parish Judge & ex-officio Notary Public in & for the aforesaid Parish of St. Landry the day and Year first above written. Marcellin Garand R. D. Winds Witness Caleb Green Jr. Bt. Debaillon Geo. King P. Judge ********************************************************************** Theodore Mudd To Rice Garland Recorded 15th October 1836 Sale of Slaves This Sale made this 4th day of May in the Year 1836, between Rice Garland of Opelousas in the State of Louisiana of the one part , and Theodore Mudd of Charles County in the State of Maryland of the other Part Witnesseth, that for and in consideration of the sum of two thousand nine hundred and fifty dollars Cash in hand paid, by the said Rice Garland to the said Theodore, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, he has bargained, sold and delivered, and by this act, does bargain, sell and deliver to the said Rice Garland his heirs or assigns Six Slaves, to wit, Minta a woman between forty and fifty years of age, Adelin a woman about eighteen Years of age, Henny a girl fifteen or sixteen Years of age, Caroline a girl, twelve or thirteen years of age, Eliza a girl about eleven years of age and Frank a boy seven or eight Year of age and the said Henny Caroline Eliza and Frank being children of Minta, the whole of said negroes are black and slaves for life. And the said Theodore Mudd for himself, his heirs and assigns, hereby covenants and agrees with the said Rice Garland, his heirs & assigns, that he will forever warrant and defend him in the title to all the aforesaid slaves against any or all claims whatsoever, by whomever preferred and against all liens in [and] incumberances whatever. Also that they are all perfectly sound and healthy in body, and mind, that they are slaves for life and of good moral character for persons in this condition of life. Done and signed in the City of Washington on the day and year first mentioned. Theodor[e] Mudd (seal) R. Garland (seal) Witness Robert Carter Nicholas ***************************************************************************** William Clagett To Rice Garland Sale of Slaves Recorded 15th October 1836 This deed of Sale made this twenty first day of the month of December in the Year One thousand eight hundred and thirty five, between William D. Clagett a resident of Prince Georges County in the State of Maryland of the one part and Rice Garland a resident of the Parish of St. Landry in the State of Louisiana of the other part, Witnesseth that the said William D. Clagett for and in consideration of the sum of three thousand five hundred dollars Cash in hand paid by the said Rice Garland the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, hat bargained and sold and does hereby bargain, sell, and deliver to the said Rice Garland seven slaves towit, A man named Ben or Ben white [sp?] aged about thirty seven or eight Years. A woman named Betsy aged about the same with Ben whose wife she is a young woman named Susan aged, seventeen or eighteen Years, a girl named Nelly aged about twelve or thirteen years, a girl named Amelia aged about seven years, A girl named Mary aged about three years. The said Susan, Nelly, Amelia and Mary, being the children of the woman Betsey, also a man named Henry, aged about twenty Years. The whole of the aforesaid slaves being mulattoes. To have and To hold the aforesaid slaves by the said Rice Garland his heirs and assigns forever. The said William D. Clagett for himself his heirs, Administrators and assigns covenants and agrees to warrant and defend to the said Rice Garland his heirs or assigns the title to the aforesaid names slaves against the claim or claims of [Page 57] all manner of persons whatever, also that they are all sound and healthy and of good character and that the man Ben is a good carriage driver and general servant the woman Betsey is a good cook, the young woman Susan is a good seamstress and house servant. In Witness whereof the said William D. Clagett and the said Rice Garland have hereunto signed, in the City of Washington the day and [year] above mentioned in the presence of the undersigned witness. William D. Clagett R. Garland Witness Alex Porter ***************************************************************************** John Tyler To Rice Garland Sale of Slaves Recorded 15th October 1836 This deed of sale made on the ninth day of the month of May in the Year eighteen hundred & thirty six between John Tyler a resident of Gloster County in the State of Virginia of the one part and Rice Garland a resident of Opelousas in the State of Louisiana Witnesseth that the said John Tyler for and in consideration of the sum of four thousand dollars Cash in hand paid to him by the said Rice, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, hath bargained sold and delivered, and does hereby bargain sell and deliver to the said Rice Garland his heirs and assigns forever, the following negroes [sic] slaves, for life to wit, Armstead a man from twenty seven to twenty nine Years, Sylla the wife of Armstead a woman about thirty five or six Years of age with an i[n]fant male child, now about three weeks old, Mary a woman about nineteen years of age with an infant male child about three weeks old, Claiborne a boy sixteen or seventeen Years of age, Sally a girl fourteen or fifteen Years of age, Cornelius a boy six or seven Years of age, Kitty a girl four or five years of age and Nelson a boy between two and three Years of age. The said Mary, Claiborne, Sally Cornelius Kitty and Nelson are all children of the woman Sylla. To have and To hold the said slaves by the said Rice Garland his heirs and assigns forever. and the said John Tyler for himself his heirs and assigns, does hereby covenant and agree with the said Rice Garland, that the title to said slaves is good and unencumbered and that he will at all times war[r]ant and defend the same to the said Rice against all manner of claims whatever presented. Also that said slaves are of good character and all perfectly sound in body and mind, except the boy Cornelius who has a slight defect in one of his eyes, but in all other respects sound and healthy. Done and signed in the County of Glouster Virginia the day and Year first mentioned in presence of the undersigned. John Tyler (seal) R. Garland (seal) Witness R. C. Nicholas ***************************************************************************** Kreps Gradenigo To Rachel Ferguson Sale of Slave Recorded 19 November 1836 This act of sale made this nineteenth day of November one thousand eight hundred and thirty six between Kreps Gradenigo of the State of Louisiana and parish of St. Landry of the one part and Rachel Furguson of the same State and parish of the other part, both free persons of Colour, Witnesseth, that for and in consideration of the sum of Thirteen Hundred Dollars Cash in hand paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, the said Kreps Gradinego has bargained and sold and does by this act grant bargain sell alien convey set over and deliver unto the said Rachel a certain negro man slave named John aged about Twenty Years. To have & To hold the said slave free from the lawful claims of all persons whatsoever and the title to the said slave to her the said Rachel her heirs &c the said Kreps [Page 68] Gradinego does hereby warrant & will forever defend. He also warrants the said slave free from the redhibitory vices disceases [sic] and defects. The purchaser dispenses with the certificate required by the 3328th Article of the Louisiana Code. In testimony of all which the said parties have hereunto signed in presence of Caleb Green Jr. and J. Stringer Competent witnesses and before George King Parish Judge in and for said parish the day and Year above written. Kreps Gradenigo Rachel Furgeson Witness J. Stringer Caleb Green Jr. Geo. King P. Judge ***************************************************************************** Kreps Gradenigo To E. D. White Governor Bond for Grog Shop Recorded 22 November 1836 Know all men by these Presents, That we Kreps Gradenigo free man of C[olor]. as principal [and] Francois Donatto free man of C[olor]. as security are held and firmly bound unto Edward D. White Governor of the State of Louisiana and his successors in Office, in the sum of Five hundred Dollars, which sum well and truly to pay the said Edward D. White Governor of the State of Louisiana and his successors in Office. We do bind ourselves our heirs executors and administrators, firmly by these presents, signed with our hands and sealed with our seals in the Parish of St. Landry this 22d day of November in the Year of our Lord, One Thousand Eight hundred and thirty six. Whereas the above bound Kreps Gradinego free man of C[olor]. principal has obtained Licence [sic] to Keep a Grog shop in the Town of Opelousas from and after the date hereof to the first Monday in May next. Now the condition of [the] above obligation is such, that if the said bound Kreps Gradinego free man of C[olor] the principal shall contravene any one of the provisions in relation to Slaves, contained in the act entitled "An act to amend the Black Code," approved March 16th 1830, or should the said bound Kreps Gradenigo free man of C[olor] the principal keep a disorderly Grog Shop or permit an assemblage of more than three slaves not belonging to him or in his employment at the said Grog shop Kept by him or at such other place as he may be in the act of retailing spiritous [sic] liquors at, in the said Town, then the above obligation shall be forfeited, and the amount thereof be recovered before any court of competent Jurisdiction in the State of Louisiana: one half to the use of the person who shall sue thereon, and the other half to the use of the Parish of St. Landry. Kreps Gradinego (seal) Fr. Donato (seal) Witness Francois Simien Guy H. Bell Acknowledged and Executed before me Geo. King Parish Judge St. Landry ********************************************************* Richard To Richard Emancipation Recorded 28th November 1836 Before me George King Parish Judge in and for the Parish of St. Landry State of Louisiana & ex-officio Notary Public appeared personally Mrs. Marie Eugenie Lavergne widow of the late Philip Richard of said Parish deceased, and only Surviving parent of her son Adolphe Richard a minor over the age of eighteen Years, Who declares before me & the undersigned Witnesses that she has emancipated her said son Adolphe & that she does by this act emancipate him & vest him with all the rights & privileges of an emancipated minor in such case contemplated by the Law of this State. In Testimony whereof she has hereunto signed by making her ordinary mark not Knowing how to write, at Opelousas this twenty eighth of November in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty six. Mark x of Marie Eugenie Lavergne widow Richard Witness Bt. Debaillon D. Lamorandiere Geo. King P. Judge ************************************************************************ Moses Hebert To John Lynn Daniel Agreement [includes a number of slaves] Recorded 29th November 1836 This agreement made and entered into the twenty ninth day of November in the Year One thousand eight hundred and Thirty six between Moses Hebert Junr. of the State of Louisiana Parish of St. Landry of the one part and John Lynn Daniel of the same State and Parish aforesaid of the other part Witnesseth, that whereas the said parties have previous to the signing of this act being joint partners, as well in commerce as in their planting establishment on the Bayou boeuf, and whereas they have mutually agreed to dissolve the said partnership and make a partition of all their joint Property as well real as personal. Now in order to carry said aggrement [sic] into effect, he the said John L. Daniel has bargained and sold and does hereby grant, bargain, sell, set over transfer and convey to him the said Moses Hebert Junr. all his right, title claim and interest in and to the undivided half of the following described property, towit, the plantation and tract of land purchased by the said Moses Hebert at the sale of the estate of the late George Jackson deceased made on the sixth day of January in the Year One thousand eight hundred & thirty five situated in the aforesaid Parish and lying on the East bank of the Bayou bouef [sic] bounded on the lower side by land of William Moore having ten arpens front by forty in depth for the sum of four thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars, also a negro man named Zerringue alias Dyson (a runaway) aged about twenty seven Years purchased by the said Moses Hebert at the aforesaid sale for seven hundred and eighty dollars, also two horses purchased by the said Hebert at the aforesaid sale for one hundred and nineteen Dollars, making the entire sum of five thousand six hundred and forty nine Dollars. Here it is to be observed that the undivided half of the aforesaid property was sold and conveyed by the said Moses Hebert Jr. to him the said John L. Daniel by an act passed before George King Parish Judge & ex-officio Notary Public in and for the aforesaid parish bearing date the thirty first day of May in the Year one thousand eight hundred and thirty six, and recorded in Book H pages 638 & 639 of the records of sales and Mortgages in the office of said Judge & Notary, which said sale is hereby made nul[l] and void and the said John L. Daniel is released and exonerated from the consideration of said sale as fully and effecutally as thought it had never existed. He the said John L. Daniel has also bargained and sold and does by this act grant, bargain sell transfer and convey to him the said Moses Hebert Junr. the undivided half of a certain tract or parcel of land purchased by the parties from William Moore as per act passed before George King Parish Judge asa aforesaid bearing date the fourteenth day of July last. He the said John L. Daniel has also bargained and sold and does by these presents grant bargain, sell alien, transfer and convey to him the said Moses Hebert Junr. an undivided half of the following described Slaves, towit, A negro man named Belcour aged about thirty two Years, A negro woman named Milly aged about thirty Years with her four children towit, Evelina a negro girl aged about fourteen Years, Stephen a negro boy aged about seven Years, Charles a negro boy aged about five Years and Sally a negro girl about fifteen months old, and also all the horses, horned cattle and farming utensils now on or belonging to the aforesaid plantation. To have and To hold the aforesaid and above described property to him the said Moses Hebert Junr. his heirs, executors, administrators and assigns forever, with guarantee of title against the lawful claims of all persons claiming by through or under him the said John L. Daniel. In consideration where he the said Moses Hebert Junr. has bargained and sold and does by this act grant bargain, transfer alien and confirm to him the said John L. Daniel the undivided half and all his right title and interest in and to the following described slaves, towit, A negro man named John aged about twenty eight Years, his wife a negro woman named Charlotte aged about twenty six Years and her five children, towit, Betsey a negro girl aged about ten Year, Viney a negro girl aged about eight Years, Mary a negro girl aged about Six Years, Anthony a negro boy aged about four Years, and Martha a negro girl about fifteen months old, a negro man [Page 74] named Mike aged abut thirty five Years, Mariah his wife a negro woman aged about twenty five Years with her child a boy named Abram aged about two Year, A negro woman named Patsey aged about nineteen Years with he child a negro boy named Edenborough aged about two Years, A negro man named Billy aged about thirty Years and his wife a negro woman named Darcas aged about twenty eight Years with her two children towit, Jef a negro boy aged about ten Years and David a negro boy about eighteen months old, a mulatto boy named William aged about Seventeen Years, A negro man named Dick aged about twenty nine Years, A negro woman named Sally aged about thirty seven Years, a negro woman named Caty aged about Sixteen Years with her infant child name not known, the said Dick, Sally & Caty and her child now in the posses[s]ion of John B. Theall of the Parish of Lafayette. To have and To holed the aforesaid slave to him the said John L. Daniel his heirs, executors, administrators & assigns forever with guarantee of title against the lawful claims of all persons claiming by or thorough him the said Moses Hebert Junr. and he the said Moses Hebert Junr. sells and conveys to him the said John L. Daniel all and singular his undivided half of the Merchandise now belonging to said firm of whatsoever nature and he the aid Moses Hebert Junr. also transfers and conveys to him the said John L. Daniel all and singular his undivided half of the debts of every description due or to fall due from all persons whatsoever to the said firm. And he the said John L. Daniel agrees and binds himself to pay all the debts due or owing or to fall due by said firm to all persons whatsoever having just and lawful claims against the same. It is understood and explained by the parties that one of the debts due by the said firm was created by a purchase of John B. Theall of a certain number of slaves mortgaged to the Union Bank at Vermillionville for the sum of five thousand dollars four thousand two hundred or thereabout of which the parties bound themselves to pay to said Bank, and it is explicitly understood that this debt is included among those to be paid by the said John L. Daniel. The proceeds of the Crop of Cotton of the present Year after the payment of the expenses of the plantation to be equally divided between the parties. It is further agreed and understood that neither party has any claim whatsoever against the other except those contained in this act, and that the partnership heretofore existing between them is finally dissolved. The parties dispense with the production of the certificate required by the 3328th Article of the Louisiana Code or by any subsequent Law on the subject of Mortgages. In Testimony of al which the said parties have hereunto signed & affixed their seals in presence of Benoit Debaillon and Andre Lastrapes competent Witnesses & before George King parish Judge & ex-officio Notary Public in & for the aforesaid Parish of St. Landry at Opelousas the day & Year first above written. M. Hebert Jr. (seal) Jno. L. Daniel (seal) Witness Bt. Debaillon A. Lastrapes Geo. King P. Judge ***************************************************************************** William B. Lewis To Thomas H. Lewis Sale of Slave Recorded 9th December 1836 Know all men by these presents that William B. Lewis of the State of Louisiana and parish of St. Mary, for and in consideration of the sum of eleven hundred dollars cash in hand paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, has bargained and sold, and does by this act grant, bargain, sell, transfer and deliver unto Thomas H. Lewis of the aforesaid State and parish of St. Landry a certain negro boy slave named Ben aged about seventeen Years & being the same which the seller acquired by purchase from Moses Hebert Jr. To have and To hold the said negro boy slave to him the said Thomas H. Lewis his heirs executors administrators and assigns forever. And the said William B. Lewis for himself his heirs &c the title to the aforesaid slave against the lawful claims of all persons whatsoever to him the said Thomas H. Lewis his heirs & assigns does warrant and will forever defend. He also warrants him free from all the diseases & vices deemed redhibitory in Law. [T]he certificate required by the 3328th Article of the Louisiana Code or by any subsequent Law on the subject of Mortgage is dispensed with by the purchaser. In testimony of all which the parties have hereunto signed in presence of Andre Lastrapes and Benoit Debaillon competent witnesses and before George King Parish Judge in and for the aforesaid Parish of St. Landry & ex-officio Notary Public at Opelousas this ninth day of December in the Year One thousand eight hundred and thirty six. W. B. Lewis Tho. H. Lewis Witness [Page 75] A. Lastrapes Bt. Debaillon Geo. King P. Judge Source: Family History Library Microfilm #1412749, Item 3, Notarial Records, St. Landry Parish, Page 49-75. *********************************************************************** Amanda M. Harris, widow Samuel E. Bell To Dr. George Hill Sale of Slave Recorded 9th December 1836 Know all men by these presents that Amande [sic] M. Harris widow of the late Samuel E. Bell of the State of Louisian[a] and Parish of St. Landry, for and in consideration of the sum of two thousand four hundred dollars Cash in hand paid the receipt is hereby acknowledge[d], has bargained and sold and does by this act grant bargain, sell set over, transfer, convey and deliver unto Doctor George Hill of the aforesaid State and parish the following described negro slaves, towit, a negro woman named Jenny aged about thirty or thirty two Years with her five children, towit, Rebecca a girl aged about nine Years, William Alias Pompy [sp?] aged about seven Years, John a boy aged about five Years, Juliet a girl about three Years and Augustus a boy about fifteen months old. To have and To hold the aforesaid slaves to him the said Doctor George Hill and to his heirs and assigns forever. And she the said Amanda M. Harris widow for herself her heirs &c the title to the aforesaid slaves against the lawful claims of all persons whatsoever to him the said Doctor George Hill his heirs, executors administrators and assigns does warrant & will forever defend. She also warrants them free from redhibitory diseases. The certificate required by the 3328th Article of the Louisiana Code has been produced & makes a part of the act. In Testimony of all which the parties have hereunto signed in presence of Gilbert Sloan and Joel M. Bell competent witnesses and before George King Parish Judge in and for the aforesaid Parish of St. Landry this ninth day of December in the Year One thousand eight hundred and thirty six. Amanda M. Bell (seal) George Hill (seal) Witness Gilbert Sloan Joel M. Bell Geo. King P. Judge ****************************************************************************** James Nuttal [North Carolina] To Benjamin R. Rogers Letter regarding sale of slaves; see next instrument also. Recorded 10th December [1836] Dear Sir Oxford Octb[e]r. 28th 1836 I have written to you several times relative to the two negroes which I left in your country requesting you to sell them for the best cash price though I have received no answer from you relative to them as yet you will confer a favour [sic] on me by informing me how you have disposed of them if sold you will retain sufficient to pay you for your expences [sic] and trouble the balance you can remit me by draft if not sold if not sold you will sell them as soon as you can at what you may think their value. I also wish you to inform me what has been done with my claims against Yancy I have written to Mssrs. Garland & Swoazey several times and have received no answer my letters or theirs must have been miscarried or I should certainly have heard from them I would thank you to say to them that I have written and requested them to inform me what has been done in attending this your will confer a favour [sic] on a Friend whould [sic] at all times feel proud to have an opportunity to reciprocate not only for this but past favours [sic]. Give my very best respects to Mr. Rogers your Father Mother and all of our good friends. Yours most sincerely J. W. Nuttall ****************************************************************************** James Nuttall To George Hill Sale of Slave Recorded 10th December 1836 This Deed made and entered into this tenth day of December in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty six between Benjamin R. Rogers of the State of Louisiana and parish of St. Landry agent and attorney in fact of James Nuttall of Oxford in the State of North Carolina of the one part and George Hill of the aforesaid Parish of St. Landry of the other part Witnesseth. That for the consideration hereinafter expressed the said Benjamin R. Rogers agent as aforesaid acting by virtue of a letter of Attorney annexed to this act has bargained and sold and by this act does grant bargain sell set over and deliver unto the said George Hill a negro man slave named Ephraim aged about fifty years and a negro man slave named Louis aged about forty five years. To have and to hold said slaves to him the said George Hill his heirs and assigns forever. Said slaves are not warranted against redhibitory vices diseases or defects said agent merely warranting the title to said slaves in the name of his said constituent, it being expressly stipulated and understood between said parties that said agent shall not in any event be responsible personally under the above clause of warranty or otherwise. This sale is made for and in consideration of the price and sum of one thousand and fifty dollars payable on the tenth day of March next (1837) that is to say six hundred and seventy dollars as the price of the slave Ephraim and three hundred and eighty dollars as the price of the slave Louis making together said sum of One thousand and fifty dollars. If said sum be not punctually paid it is to bear interest at the rate of ten percent per annum from maturity. And further to secure the payment of the aforesaid sum of One thousand and fifty dollars with interest as aforesaid. Andre Lastrapes of said Parish has become and hereby binds and obligates himself as the security of said George Hill. The purchaser dispenses with the production of the certificate required by the 3328th Article of the Louisiana Code or by all other laws to the same effect on the subject of mortgages. In Witness whereof said parties have hereunto signed at Opelousas in presence of Benoist Debaillon and Richard M. Garwood competent witnesses and before George King Parish Judge & ex-officio Notary Public in & for said Parish of Saint Landry the day and Year first above written. Benj. R. Rogers agent & Attorney in fact of James Nuttall A. Lastrapes George Hill Witness Richd. M. Garwood Bt. Debaillon Geo. King P. Judge Opelousas this 8[?]th day of March 1837 Received of Mr. George Hill One thousand and fifty Dollars being the amount in full for the within slaves Benj. R. Rogers Atty. in fact for James Nuttall ****************************************************************************** Stephen W. Wickoff To Thomas A. Cook Sale of Slaves Recorded 5th January 1837 Know all men by these presents that Stephen W. Wikoff of the State of Louisiana and Parish of St. Landry for and in consideration of the sum of Twelve hundred and twenty dollars Cash in hand paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged has bargained and sold and does by this act, grant, bargain sell set over and deliver unto Thomas A. Cook of the aforesaid State and Parish. Three negroes [sic] slaves, towit A negro man named Bretus [sp?] aged about fifty five Years (reciptured [sp?]) a negro woman named Lizzy aged about forty five Years and a negro boy named Henry son of Lizzy & Bretus [sp?] aged about ten Years. To have and To hold the aforesaid slaves to him the said Thomas A. Cook his heirs exc. Admr. & assigns forever with guaranty of title against the lawful claim of all persons whatsoever. The purchaser dispenses with the production of the certificate required by the 3328th Article of the Louisiana Code. In Testimony of all which the parties have hereunto signed in presence of the subscribing Witness and before George King Parish Judge and ex-officio Notary Public in & for the aforesaid Parish of St. Landry [Page 81] at Opelousas this fifth day of January in the Year One thousand eight hundred and thirty seven. S. W. Wikoff Thomas A. Cooke Witness Richd. M. Garwood Bt. Debaillon Geo. King P. Judge ****************************************************************************** William M. Prescott To Robert McCrory Sale of Slave Recorded 9th January 1837 Whereas in the Sixteenth day of May 1836, William M. Prescot of the State of Louisiana and Parish of Saint Landry purchased by an act of Sale passed before William Young Sims a Notary Public in and for the city of New Orleans a negro girl slave named Casey aged about twelve Years for the price of five hundred and fifty dollars Cash from one Mark Davis of Petersburg in the State of Virginia, which slave was intended and purchased for the use and benefit of Robert McCrory of the State of Louisiana and Parish of Saint Landry. And whereas the said Robert McCrory has reimbursed to said Prescott the said price of said slave the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged. Now therefore be it known that in consideration of the premises the said Prescott has bargained and sold and by these presents does grant bargain sell and deliver to the said Robert McCrory the aforesaid negro girl slave, To have and To hold the said McCrory his heirs and assigns forever free from the lawful claim or title of all persons claiming by through or under the said Prescott. It is understood that said Prescott in no wise warrants said slave either as to title or soundness but subrogates the said McCrory to all his rights of warranty set forth in the aforesaid act of Sale passed before William Y. Sims Notary Public on the 16th day of May 1836. The purchaser dispenses with the production of the certificate required by the 3328th Article of the Louisiana Code or by all other laws of this State on the subject of Mortgages to the same effect. In Witness whereof the said parties have hereunto signed at Opelousas this ninth day of January on[e] thousand eight hundred and thirty six in presence of George R. King and Richard M. Garwood competent Witnesses and before George King Parish Judge and ex-officio Notary Public in and for the aforesaid Parish of Saint Landry. W. W. Prescott Robert McCrory Witness Geo. R. King Richd. M. Garwood Geo. King P. Judge ****************************************************************************** Thomas Hayes To Thomas Keller Sale of Slave Recorded 20 January 1837 Know all men by these presents that Thomas Hayes of the State of Louisiana and Parish of St. Landry , for and in consideration of the premises hereinafter expressed has bargained and sold and does hereby grant, bargain, sell alien, confirm transfer and deliver to Thomas Keller of the same State and Parish aforesaid a certain negro man slave named Plim aged about thirty Years. To have and To hold the s[ai]d slave to him the said Thomas Keller his heirs, executors, administrators and assigns forever. And he the said Thomas Hayes for himself his heirs executors and administrators the title to the aforesaid slave against the lawful claims of all persons whatsoever to him the said Thomas Keller his heirs executors, administrators and assigns does warrant & will forever defend. He also warrants the said Slave free from all the diseases & vices termed redhibitory in Law. This Sale is made for and in consideration of the sum of fifteen hundred dollars payable one half on the first day of March in the Year One thousand eight hundred and thirty nine. It being stipulated and perfectly understood that the said Slave remains specially mortgaged to the seller until the entire payment of the aforesaid purchase money. The purchaser dispenses with the certificate required by the 3328th Article of the Louisiana Code. In Testimony of all which the parties have hereunto signed in presence of George R. King and Richard M. Garwood, competent Witnesses & before George King Parish Judge in and for the aforesaid Parish of St. Landry & ex-officio Notary Public at Opelousas the day & Year first above written. Thomas x Hayes (seal) Thomas Keller (seal) Witness Geo. R. King Richd. M. Garwood Geo. King P. Judge ****************************************************************************** Jacob Anselm To David Akison Jr. Sale of Slaves Recorded 25 January 1837 Know all men by these presents that Jacob Anselm of the State of Louisiana and parish of Saint Landry has for the consideration hereinafter expressed has bargained and sold and by this act grant bargain sell set over and deliver unto David Ackson [sic] Junior of the same State and Parish aforesaid the six following slaves to wit a Negro man named Brescoe aged about forty Years a negro woman his wife named Nanette aged about thirty six Years and her four children viz. Caesar aged about seven Years Aamony [sp?] his twin sister aged abut seven Years Sally aged three Years and an infant [blank]. To have and To hold said slaves to him the said David Ackison Junior his heirs and assigns for ever free from the lawful claim of all persons whomsoever and from Redhibitory vices diseases and defects. This sale is made for and in consideration of the price and sum of two thousand three hundred and forty dollars which the purchaser promises to pay as follows. That is to say said purchaser binds and obligates himself his heirs &c to pay at maturity two several promissory notes executed by the seller in favor of Gustave Cahanin and indorsed by said Cahanin and Emile J. Bignon payable at the office of Discount & deposite [sic] of the Mechanics and Trader's Bank at Opelousas each of said notes being for the sum of eleven hundred and seventy dollars and dated on the 19th of January 1837, the first of said notes payable on the 15 day of April 1838 and the second payable on the 15th day of April 1839, which said notes are secured by a mortgage on said slaves. Said slaves are the same purchased by the said Anselm at the sale of the succession in community between the heirs and legal representatives of the late Robert Rogers deceased. The purchaser dispenses with the production of the certificate required by the 3328th Article of the Louisiana Code or by all other Laws of this State to the same effect on the subject of Mortgages. In Witness whereof said parties have hereunto signed at Opelousas in presence of Henry T. Dunbar and George R. King Competent Witnesses and before George King Parish Judge and ex-officio Notary Public this twenty fifth day of January in the Year one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven. Jacob Anselm D. Ackinson Jr. Witness Henry T. Dunbar Geo. R. King Geo. King P. Judge ****************************************************************************** Thomas Hayes To Jane Hayes Donation of Slaves Recorded 27th January 1837 This act of donation made between Thomas Hayes of the State of Louisiana and Parish of St. Landry , and Jane Hays daughter of the said Thomas and wife of Solomon Andrus acting herein by the advice & consent of her said husband of the same State & Parish aforesaid Witnesseth, That the said Thomas Hayes has given and granted & does by these presents give, grant, set over, transfer, convey and deliver to his said daughter a certain negro girl slave aged about twelve Years & named Caroline. To have and to hold said negro girl slave and her future increase to her the said Jane Hayes her heirs, executors, administrators and assigns forever with guarantee of title against the lawful claims of all persons whatsoever, and warranted free from the diseases & vices prescribed against by Law. It is Stipulated between the donor and done that the said slave is estimated at the price & sum of five hundred dollars, to be accounted for by the done[e] in her future pretentions on the Estate of the donor. In Testimony whereof the parties have hereunto signed together with the said Solomon Andrus authorising [sic] his said wife to the effect of these presents and with her accepting this Donation, in presence of Joseph Elah Andrus [Page 86] and Benoit Debaillon competent Witnesses & before George King Parish Judge in and for the aforesaid Parish of St. Landry this twenty seventh day of January in the Year One thousand eight hundred and thirty seven. Thomas x Hayes Jane x Hayes Andrus Solomon W. Andrus Witness Jos. E. Andrus Bt. Debaillon Geo. King P. Judge ****************************************************************************** Michel Prudhomme To John Rider Sale of Slave Recorded 30 January 1837 Know all men by these presents that Michel Prudhomme of the State of Louisiana and Parish of St. Landry for and in consideration of the sum of two hundred dollars Cash in hand paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, has bargained and sold and does by this public act grant sell transfer & deliver unto John Rider a certain Mula[t]to girl slave named Melina aged about ten months. To have and to hold the said Mulatto girl to the [said] John Rider his heirs and assigns from and after the date hereof until she shall have arrived at the age of thirty Years, when he the said John Rider obligates himself his executors, administrators and assigns to emancipate her in due form of Law, and the said Michel Prudhomme for himself his heirs &c the title to said John Rider his heirs &c does warrant and will forever defend. It is stipulated and agreed by and between the parties that the said bargained and sold slave shall not be separated from her mother until she shall have arrived at the full age of Ten Years, and until that period she is to be supported at the expense of the owner of her said mother. The purchaser dispenses with the production of the Certificate required by the 3328th Article of the Louisiana Code. In Testimony of all which the parties have hereunto signed in presence of Richard M. Garwood and Benoist Debaillon competent Witnesses & before George King Parish Judge & ex-officio Notary Public in and for the aforesaid Parish of St. Landry at Opelousas this thirtieth day of January 1837. Michel Prudome (seal) John Rider (seal) Witness Richd. M. Garwood Bt. Debaillon Geo. King P. Judge ****************************************************************************** Edmund H. Martin To Crawford Lyons Sale of Slave Recorded 31 January 1837 Know all men by these presents that Edmund H. Martin of the State of Louisiana and Parish of Saint Landry for and in consideration of price and sum of eleven hundred dollars Cash to him in hand paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged has bargained and sold and by this act does grant bargain sell alien set over and deliver unto Crawford Lyon of the same State and Parish aforesaid a certain negro woman slave named Joanna aged about sixteen years with her child an infant abut three months To have and To hold said slaves to him the said Crawford Lyons his heirs and assigns free from the lawful claims of all persons whomsoever and from Redhibitory vices diseases and defects. The certificate of the Recorder of Mortgages required b the 3328th Article of the Louisiana Code has been produced and is annexed to and made a part of this act from which it appears that there exists no mortgage on said slave. In witness whereof said parties have hereunto signed at Opelousas this thirty first day of January in the Year One thousand eight hundred and thirty seven in presence of Benjamin R. Rogers and George R. King competent witnesses and before me George King Parish Judge & ex-officio Notary Public in and for said Parish. E. H. Martin (seal) Crawford Lyons (seal) Witness Geo. R. King Benj. R. Rogers Geo. King P. Judge Etat De La Louisiane Paroisse St. Landry Bureau des Hypotheques Le conservatur des Hypotheques, soussigni certie qu'il n'existe sur les registres de so Bureau aucune y L ort-ge [sic] contre Edmund H. Martin sur une Negress Nomme'e Joana, age'e d'environ Seize ans avec un enfant a la mameelle age' d'environ quatre mois Opelousas le 31 Janvier Garrigue flaujac ****************************************************************************** William and John Moore[St. Martin Parish] To Felix Dejean Sale of Slave Recorded 4th February 1837 State of Louisiana Parish of St. Landry. Before me George King Parish Judge and ex-officio Notary Public in and for the Parish of St. Landry. Personally appeared William Moore of the Parish of St. Landry, John Moore of the Parish of St. Mary and Joseph [Page 87] A. Moore of the Parish of St. Martin who composed the commercial partnership heretofore carried on in Opelousas under the style of W. & J. Moore some time since dissolved Who severally declared hat whereas at a sale by public auction made this day at the Court hose of this Parish agreeably to previous advertisements for more than thirty days. By the Honorable George King Parish Judge of the Parish of St. Landry of property b[e]longing to said partnership in order to effect a partition amoung [sic] said parties, Felix Dejean also of the Parish aforesaid being the last and highest bidder became the purchaser of a Certain Negro boy slave named Jim aged about fourteen Years for the price and sum of seven hundred and sixty dollars terms Cash and proclaimed to be deaf of one ear & afflicted with the gravel, Now therefore for and in consideration of the price aforesaid to them in hand paid, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged the said appearers declared that they had bargained sold and delivered unto the said Felix Dejean here present and accepting to him his heirs and assigns. To have and to hold forever with general warranty of title, and free from any mortgage whatsoever except from diseases called redhibitory the purchase being notified previously takes time upon his responsibility. The parties hereby wa[i]ve the production of the certificate of mortgage required by the 3328th Article of the Louisiana Civil Code. Done and passed this fourth day of Feb[r]uary in the Year One thousand eight hundred and thirty seven In presence of Pierre Ozere' & Eliakim Littell competent witnesses who have signed these presents with said parties and me said Notary due reading. W. Moore John Moore J. A. Moore F. Dejean P. Ozere Elm. Littell Geo. King P. Judge ****************************************************************************** Benjamin F. Linton To Francis B. T. Burgess Agreement & Reciprocal Sale of Land & Slaves Recorded 11 Feb[r]uary 1837 This agreement made and entered into, this tenth day of Feb[r]uary in the Year One thousand eight hundred and thirty seven between Benjamin F. Linton of the State of Louisiana and parish of St. Landry of the one part and Francis B. F. Burgess of the State of Maryland of the other part Witnesseth, that the said parties have, and do by these presents form and enter into a copartnership for agricultural purposes, which co-partnership is to continue for and during the term of six Years unless it should be dissolved by mutual consent. The said Benjamin F. Linton on his part has advanced and does [Page 89] hereby advance & put into the firm a tract of land situated in the aforesaid Parish of St. Landry and lying on the Bayou Petite Prairie, being the North East half of the North East quarter of Section No. 31 and the South West half of Section no. 32 in Township No. 3 South 5 East, and also one other half of a quarter Section of land to be hereafter located by the parties, containing in the whole four hundred & eighty superficial acres and the said Francis B. F. Burgess on his part has advanced and does hereby advance and put into the said firm the following described negro slaves, towit, a man named Cumberland aged about thirty Years, a man named Frederick aged about thirty Years, a man named Bill aged about twenty eight Years, a woman named Matilda aged about twenty eight Years & her infant child, a woman named Lucy aged about thirty Years a girl named Matilda aged about fourteen Years, a girl named Peggy aged about eleven Years, a boy named John aged about eight Years, and a boy named John Henry aged about three Years. And it is further agreed by and between the said parties that the aforesaid & above described lands and slaves, from and after the signing of this act, shall be & become the joint property, the lands & slaves being considered of equal value the undivided half of the one is exchanged for the undivided half of the other, Now therefore in consideration of the premises he the said Benjamin F. Linton has bargained and sold and does by these presence [sic] grant bargain sell transfer alien and confirm to him the said B. F. Burgess one undivide[d] half of the above described lands with all and singular their appertnenaces [sic] & privileges. To have & To hold the same to him the said Francis B. F. Burgess his heirs, executors, administrators and assigns forever with guarantee of title against the lawful claims of all persons whatsoever And in consideration of the same premises he the said Francis B. F. Burgess has bargained and sold and does hereby grant bargain, sell, alien, transfer and confirm to him the said Benjamin F. Linton an undivided half of the aforesaid and above described slaves To have & to hold the same with guarantee of title against the lawful claims of all persons whatsoever to him the said Benjamin F. Linton his heirs, executors, administrators forever. And it is further agreed that the said Burgess shall have the entire control and direction of the business and operations of the same, the expenditures and profits to be equally divided between the parties. The said parties further agree to furnish, each the sum of five thousand dollars to be laid out during the present Year to Stock the contemplated farm or plantation in slaves. And that each party shall furnish a further sum of five hundred to be expended in cutting Cane, building houses, planting corn and making all the necessary improvements for the occupancy of said land in the Year 1838. It is understood that the aforesaid Slaves are now in the possession of & hired to Bennet B. Simmes to work on his plantation on the Bayou Doylaze [sp?] in the Parish of Avoyelles where they are to remain until the first day of November next and it is agreed by the said Frances B. F. Burgess that if either or any of them should die previous to the said first of November, that in that event the said Burgess is to furnish other or others in their place of equal value. It is fu[r]ther understood and agreed on by the parties, that if either of them should die before the first day of January 1838 then this copartnership is by that even dissolved, in the mean time should the said Linton become endorser in the Bank to enable the said Burgess to raise the aforesaid amount of five thousand dollars before the said first day of January 1838, then the aforesaid negroes are to remain mortgaged and hypothicated to said Linton until the final payment of said Bank debt upon which mortgage an order of Sale & seizure may issue. It is fu[r]ther understood and explained, that in the event of the death of either of the contracting parties, previous to the first day of January next, that in that case this contract, sale and agreement shall be from its commencement nul[l] and void and of no effect whatever. And that the monies which may be advanced by the said Burgess for the purpose of making the improvements as aforesaid shall be reimbursed to him or his heirs. In Testimony whereof the parties have hereunto signed in presence of Richard M. Garwood & Benoit Debaillon competent Witnesses & before George King Parish Judge & ex-officio Notary Public in and for the aforesaid Parish of St. Landry at Opelousas this eleventh day of Feb[r]uary in the Year One thousand eight hundred and thirty seven. The parties dispenses with the certificate required by the 3328th Article of the La. Code. Benj. F. Linton Francis B. F. Burgess Witness Richd. M. Garwood Bt. Debaillon Geo. King P. Judge ****************************************************************************** Amanda M. Harris, widow Samuel E. Bell To Dr. George Hill Sale of Slave Recorded 9th December 1836 Know all men by these presents that Amande [sic] M. Harris widow of the late Samuel E. Bell of the State of Louisian[a] and Parish of St. Landry, for and in consideration of the sum of two thousand four hundred dollars Cash in hand paid the receipt is hereby acknowledge[d], has bargained and sold and does by this act grant bargain, sell set over, transfer, convey and deliver unto Doctor George Hill of the aforesaid State and parish the following described negro slaves, towit, a negro woman named Jenny aged about thirty or thirty two Years with her five children, towit, Rebecca a girl aged about nine Years, William Alias Pompy [sp?] aged about seven Years, John a boy aged about five Years, Juliet a girl about three Years and Augustus a boy about fifteen months old. To have and To hold the aforesaid slaves to him the said Doctor George Hill and to his heirs and assigns forever. And she the said Amanda M. Harris widow for herself her heirs &c the title to the aforesaid slaves against the lawful claims of all persons whatsoever to him the said Doctor George Hill his heirs, executors administrators and assigns does warrant & will forever defend. She also warrants them free from redhibitory diseases. The certificate required by the 3328th Article of the Louisiana Code has been produced & makes a part of the act. In Testimony of all which the parties have hereunto signed in presence of Gilbert Sloan and Joel M. Bell competent witnesses and before George King Parish Judge in and for the aforesaid Parish of St. Landry this ninth day of December in the Year One thousand eight hundred and thirty six. Amanda M. Bell (seal) George Hill (seal) Witness Gilbert Sloan Joel M. Bell Geo. King P. Judge ****************************************************************************** James Nuttal [North Carolina] To Benjamin R. Rogers Letter regarding sale of slaves; see next instrument also. Recorded 10th December [1836] Dear Sir Oxford Octb[e]r. 28th 1836 I have written to you several times relative to the two negroes which I left in your country requesting you to sell them for the best cash price though I have received no answer from you relative to them as yet you will confer a favour [sic] on me by informing me how you have disposed of them if sold you will retain sufficient to pay you for your expences [sic] and trouble the balance you can remit me by draft if not sold if not sold you will sell them as soon as you can at what you may think their value. I also wish you to inform me what has been done with my claims against Yancy I have written to Mssrs. Garland & Swoazey several times and have received no answer my letters or theirs must have been miscarried or I should certainly have heard from them I would thank you to say to them that I have written and requested them to inform me what has been done in attending this your will confer a favour [sic] on a Friend whould [sic] at all times feel proud to have an opportunity to reciprocate not only for this but past favours [sic]. Give my very best respects to Mr. Rogers your Father Mother and all of our good friends. Yours most sincerely J. W. Nuttall ****************************************************************************** James Nuttall To George Hill Sale of Slave Recorded 10th December 1836 This Deed made and entered into this tenth day of December in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty six between Benjamin R. Rogers of the State of Louisiana and parish of St. Landry agent and attorney in fact of James Nuttall of Oxford in the State of North Carolina of the one part and George Hill of the aforesaid Parish of St. Landry of the other part Witnesseth. That for the consideration hereinafter expressed the said Benjamin R. Rogers agent as aforesaid acting by virtue of a letter of Attorney annexed to this act has bargained and sold and by this act does grant bargain sell set over and deliver unto the said George Hill a negro man slave named Ephraim aged about fifty years and a negro man slave named Louis aged about forty five years. To have and to hold said slaves to him the said George Hill his heirs and assigns forever. Said slaves are not warranted against redhibitory vices diseases or defects said agent merely warranting the title to said slaves in the name of his said constituent, it being expressly stipulated and understood between said parties that said agent shall not in any event be responsible personally under the above clause of warranty or otherwise. This sale is made for and in consideration of the price and sum of one thousand and fifty dollars payable on the tenth day of March next (1837) that is to say six hundred and seventy dollars as the price of the slave Ephraim and three hundred and eighty dollars as the price of the slave Louis making together said sum of One thousand and fifty dollars. If said sum be not punctually paid it is to bear interest at the rate of ten percent per annum from maturity. And further to secure the payment of the aforesaid sum of One thousand and fifty dollars with interest as aforesaid. Andre Lastrapes of said Parish has become and hereby binds and obligates himself as the security of said George Hill. The purchaser dispenses with the production of the certificate required by the 3328th Article of the Louisiana Code or by all other laws to the same effect on the subject of mortgages. In Witness whereof said parties have hereunto signed at Opelousas in presence of Benoist Debaillon and Richard M. Garwood competent witnesses and before George King Parish Judge & ex-officio Notary Public in & for said Parish of Saint Landry the day and Year first above written. Benj. R. Rogers agent & Attorney in fact of James Nuttall A. Lastrapes George Hill Witness Richd. M. Garwood Bt. Debaillon Geo. King P. Judge Opelousas this 8[?]th day of March 1837 Received of Mr. George Hill One thousand and fifty Dollars being the amount in full for the within slaves Benj. R. Rogers Atty. in fact for James Nuttall ****************************************************************************** Stephen W. Wickoff To Thomas A. Cook Sale of Slaves Recorded 5th January 1837 Know all men by these presents that Stephen W. Wikoff of the State of Louisiana and Parish of St. Landry for and in consideration of the sum of Twelve hundred and twenty dollars Cash in hand paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged has bargained and sold and does by this act, grant, bargain sell set over and deliver unto Thomas A. Cook of the aforesaid State and Parish. Three negroes [sic] slaves, towit A negro man named Bretus [sp?] aged about fifty five Years (reciptured [sp?]) a negro woman named Lizzy aged about forty five Years and a negro boy named Henry son of Lizzy & Bretus [sp?] aged about ten Years. To have and To hold the aforesaid slaves to him the said Thomas A. Cook his heirs exc. Admr. & assigns forever with guaranty of title against the lawful claim of all persons whatsoever. The purchaser dispenses with the production of the certificate required by the 3328th Article of the Louisiana Code. In Testimony of all which the parties have hereunto signed in presence of the subscribing Witness and before George King Parish Judge and ex-officio Notary Public in & for the aforesaid Parish of St. Landry [Page 81] at Opelousas this fifth day of January in the Year One thousand eight hundred and thirty seven. S. W. Wikoff Thomas A. Cooke Witness Richd. M. Garwood Bt. Debaillon Geo. King P. Judge ****************************************************************************** William M. Prescott To Robert McCrory Sale of Slave Recorded 9th January 1837 Whereas in the Sixteenth day of May 1836, William M. Prescot of the State of Louisiana and Parish of Saint Landry purchased by an act of Sale passed before William Young Sims a Notary Public in and for the city of New Orleans a negro girl slave named Casey aged about twelve Years for the price of five hundred and fifty dollars Cash from one Mark Davis of Petersburg in the State of Virginia, which slave was intended and purchased for the use and benefit of Robert McCrory of the State of Louisiana and Parish of Saint Landry. And whereas the said Robert McCrory has reimbursed to said Prescott the said price of said slave the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged. Now therefore be it known that in consideration of the premises the said Prescott has bargained and sold and by these presents does grant bargain sell and deliver to the said Robert McCrory the aforesaid negro girl slave, To have and To hold the said McCrory his heirs and assigns forever free from the lawful claim or title of all persons claiming by through or under the said Prescott. It is understood that said Prescott in no wise warrants said slave either as to title or soundness but subrogates the said McCrory to all his rights of warranty set forth in the aforesaid act of Sale passed before William Y. Sims Notary Public on the 16th day of May 1836. The purchaser dispenses with the production of the certificate required by the 3328th Article of the Louisiana Code or by all other laws of this State on the subject of Mortgages to the same effect. In Witness whereof the said parties have hereunto signed at Opelousas this ninth day of January on[e] thousand eight hundred and thirty six in presence of George R. King and Richard M. Garwood competent Witnesses and before George King Parish Judge and ex-officio Notary Public in and for the aforesaid Parish of Saint Landry. W. W. Prescott Robert McCrory Witness Geo. R. King Richd. M. Garwood Geo. King P. Judge ****************************************************************************** Thomas Hayes To Thomas Keller Sale of Slave Recorded 20 January 1837 Know all men by these presents that Thomas Hayes of the State of Louisiana and Parish of St. Landry , for and in consideration of the premises hereinafter expressed has bargained and sold and does hereby grant, bargain, sell alien, confirm transfer and deliver to Thomas Keller of the same State and Parish aforesaid a certain negro man slave named Plim aged about thirty Years. To have and To hold the s[ai]d slave to him the said Thomas Keller his heirs, executors, administrators and assigns forever. And he the said Thomas Hayes for himself his heirs executors and administrators the title to the aforesaid slave against the lawful claims of all persons whatsoever to him the said Thomas Keller his heirs executors, administrators and assigns does warrant & will forever defend. He also warrants the said Slave free from all the diseases & vices termed redhibitory in Law. This Sale is made for and in consideration of the sum of fifteen hundred dollars payable one half on the first day of March in the Year One thousand eight hundred and thirty nine. It being stipulated and perfectly understood that the said Slave remains specially mortgaged to the seller until the entire payment of the aforesaid purchase money. The purchaser dispenses with the certificate required by the 3328th Article of the Louisiana Code. In Testimony of all which the parties have hereunto signed in presence of George R. King and Richard M. Garwood, competent Witnesses & before George King Parish Judge in and for the aforesaid Parish of St. Landry & ex-officio Notary Public at Opelousas the day & Year first above written. Thomas x Hayes (seal) Thomas Keller (seal) Witness Geo. R. King Richd. M. Garwood Geo. King P. Judge ****************************************************************************** Jacob Anselm To David Akison Jr. Sale of Slaves Recorded 25 January 1837 Know all men by these presents that Jacob Anselm of the State of Louisiana and parish of Saint Landry has for the consideration hereinafter expressed has bargained and sold and by this act grant bargain sell set over and deliver unto David Ackson [sic] Junior of the same State and Parish aforesaid the six following slaves to wit a Negro man named Brescoe aged about forty Years a negro woman his wife named Nanette aged about thirty six Years and her four children viz. Caesar aged about seven Years Aamony [sp?] his twin sister aged abut seven Years Sally aged three Years and an infant [blank]. To have and To hold said slaves to him the said David Ackison Junior his heirs and assigns for ever free from the lawful claim of all persons whomsoever and from Redhibitory vices diseases and defects. This sale is made for and in consideration of the price and sum of two thousand three hundred and forty dollars which the purchaser promises to pay as follows. That is to say said purchaser binds and obligates himself his heirs &c to pay at maturity two several promissory notes executed by the seller in favor of Gustave Cahanin and indorsed by said Cahanin and Emile J. Bignon payable at the office of Discount & deposite [sic] of the Mechanics and Trader's Bank at Opelousas each of said notes being for the sum of eleven hundred and seventy dollars and dated on the 19th of January 1837, the first of said notes payable on the 15 day of April 1838 and the second payable on the 15th day of April 1839, which said notes are secured by a mortgage on said slaves. Said slaves are the same purchased by the said Anselm at the sale of the succession in community between the heirs and legal representatives of the late Robert Rogers deceased. The purchaser dispenses with the production of the certificate required by the 3328th Article of the Louisiana Code or by all other Laws of this State to the same effect on the subject of Mortgages. In Witness whereof said parties have hereunto signed at Opelousas in presence of Henry T. Dunbar and George R. King Competent Witnesses and before George King Parish Judge and ex-officio Notary Public this twenty fifth day of January in the Year one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven. Jacob Anselm D. Ackinson Jr. Witness Henry T. Dunbar Geo. R. King Geo. King P. Judge ****************************************************************************** Thomas Hayes To Jane Hayes Donation of Slaves Recorded 27th January 1837 This act of donation made between Thomas Hayes of the State of Louisiana and Parish of St. Landry , and Jane Hays daughter of the said Thomas and wife of Solomon Andrus acting herein by the advice & consent of her said husband of the same State & Parish aforesaid Witnesseth, That the said Thomas Hayes has given and granted & does by these presents give, grant, set over, transfer, convey and deliver to his said daughter a certain negro girl slave aged about twelve Years & named Caroline. To have and to hold said negro girl slave and her future increase to her the said Jane Hayes her heirs, executors, administrators and assigns forever with guarantee of title against the lawful claims of all persons whatsoever, and warranted free from the diseases & vices prescribed against by Law. It is Stipulated between the donor and done that the said slave is estimated at the price & sum of five hundred dollars, to be accounted for by the done[e] in her future pretentions on the Estate of the donor. In Testimony whereof the parties have hereunto signed together with the said Solomon Andrus authorising [sic] his said wife to the effect of these presents and with her accepting this Donation, in presence of Joseph Elah Andrus [Page 86] and Benoit Debaillon competent Witnesses & before George King Parish Judge in and for the aforesaid Parish of St. Landry this twenty seventh day of January in the Year One thousand eight hundred and thirty seven. Thomas x Hayes Jane x Hayes Andrus Solomon W. Andrus Witness Jos. E. Andrus Bt. Debaillon Geo. King P. Judge ****************************************************************************** Michel Prudhomme To John Rider Sale of Slave Recorded 30 January 1837 Know all men by these presents that Michel Prudhomme of the State of Louisiana and Parish of St. Landry for and in consideration of the sum of two hundred dollars Cash in hand paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, has bargained and sold and does by this public act grant sell transfer & deliver unto John Rider a certain Mula[t]to girl slave named Melina aged about ten months. To have and to hold the said Mulatto girl to the [said] John Rider his heirs and assigns from and after the date hereof until she shall have arrived at the age of thirty Years, when he the said John Rider obligates himself his executors, administrators and assigns to emancipate her in due form of Law, and the said Michel Prudhomme for himself his heirs &c the title to said John Rider his heirs &c does warrant and will forever defend. It is stipulated and agreed by and between the parties that the said bargained and sold slave shall not be separated from her mother until she shall have arrived at the full age of Ten Years, and until that period she is to be supported at the expense of the owner of her said mother. The purchaser dispenses with the production of the Certificate required by the 3328th Article of the Louisiana Code. In Testimony of all which the parties have hereunto signed in presence of Richard M. Garwood and Benoist Debaillon competent Witnesses & before George King Parish Judge & ex-officio Notary Public in and for the aforesaid Parish of St. Landry at Opelousas this thirtieth day of January 1837. Michel Prudome (seal) John Rider (seal) Witness Richd. M. Garwood Bt. Debaillon Geo. King P. Judge ****************************************************************************** Edmund H. Martin To Crawford Lyons Sale of Slave Recorded 31 January 1837 Know all men by these presents that Edmund H. Martin of the State of Louisiana and Parish of Saint Landry for and in consideration of price and sum of eleven hundred dollars Cash to him in hand paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged has bargained and sold and by this act does grant bargain sell alien set over and deliver unto Crawford Lyon of the same State and Parish aforesaid a certain negro woman slave named Joanna aged about sixteen years with her child an infant abut three months To have and To hold said slaves to him the said Crawford Lyons his heirs and assigns free from the lawful claims of all persons whomsoever and from Redhibitory vices diseases and defects. The certificate of the Recorder of Mortgages required b the 3328th Article of the Louisiana Code has been produced and is annexed to and made a part of this act from which it appears that there exists no mortgage on said slave. In witness whereof said parties have hereunto signed at Opelousas this thirty first day of January in the Year One thousand eight hundred and thirty seven in presence of Benjamin R. Rogers and George R. King competent witnesses and before me George King Parish Judge & ex-officio Notary Public in and for said Parish. E. H. Martin (seal) Crawford Lyons (seal) Witness Geo. R. King Benj. R. Rogers Geo. King P. Judge Etat De La Louisiane Paroisse St. Landry Bureau des Hypotheques Le conservatur des Hypotheques, soussigni certie qu'il n'existe sur les registres de so Bureau aucune y L ort-ge [sic] contre Edmund H. Martin sur une Negress Nomme'e Joana, age'e d'environ Seize ans avec un enfant a la mameelle age' d'environ quatre mois Opelousas le 31 Janvier Garrigue flaujac ****************************************************************************** William and John Moore[St. Martin Parish] To Felix Dejean Sale of Slave Recorded 4th February 1837 State of Louisiana Parish of St. Landry. Before me George King Parish Judge and ex-officio Notary Public in and for the Parish of St. Landry. Personally appeared William Moore of the Parish of St. Landry, John Moore of the Parish of St. Mary and Joseph [Page 87] A. Moore of the Parish of St. Martin who composed the commercial partnership heretofore carried on in Opelousas under the style of W. & J. Moore some time since dissolved Who severally declared hat whereas at a sale by public auction made this day at the Court hose of this Parish agreeably to previous advertisements for more than thirty days. By the Honorable George King Parish Judge of the Parish of St. Landry of property b[e]longing to said partnership in order to effect a partition amoung [sic] said parties, Felix Dejean also of the Parish aforesaid being the last and highest bidder became the purchaser of a Certain Negro boy slave named Jim aged about fourteen Years for the price and sum of seven hundred and sixty dollars terms Cash and proclaimed to be deaf of one ear & afflicted with the gravel, Now therefore for and in consideration of the price aforesaid to them in hand paid, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged the said appearers declared that they had bargained sold and delivered unto the said Felix Dejean here present and accepting to him his heirs and assigns. To have and to hold forever with general warranty of title, and free from any mortgage whatsoever except from diseases called redhibitory the purchase being notified previously takes time upon his responsibility. The parties hereby wa[i]ve the production of the certificate of mortgage required by the 3328th Article of the Louisiana Civil Code. Done and passed this fourth day of Feb[r]uary in the Year One thousand eight hundred and thirty seven In presence of Pierre Ozere' & Eliakim Littell competent witnesses who have signed these presents with said parties and me said Notary due reading. W. Moore John Moore J. A. Moore F. Dejean P. Ozere Elm. Littell Geo. King P. Judge ****************************************************************************** Benjamin F. Linton To Francis B. T. Burgess Agreement & Reciprocal Sale of Land & Slaves Recorded 11 Feb[r]uary 1837 This agreement made and entered into, this tenth day of Feb[r]uary in the Year One thousand eight hundred and thirty seven between Benjamin F. Linton of the State of Louisiana and parish of St. Landry of the one part and Francis B. F. Burgess of the State of Maryland of the other part Witnesseth, that the said parties have, and do by these presents form and enter into a copartnership for agricultural purposes, which co-partnership is to continue for and during the term of six Years unless it should be dissolved by mutual consent. The said Benjamin F. Linton on his part has advanced and does [Page 89] hereby advance & put into the firm a tract of land situated in the aforesaid Parish of St. Landry and lying on the Bayou Petite Prairie, being the North East half of the North East quarter of Section No. 31 and the South West half of Section no. 32 in Township No. 3 South 5 East, and also one other half of a quarter Section of land to be hereafter located by the parties, containing in the whole four hundred & eighty superficial acres and the said Francis B. F. Burgess on his part has advanced and does hereby advance and put into the said firm the following described negro slaves, towit, a man named Cumberland aged about thirty Years, a man named Frederick aged about thirty Years, a man named Bill aged about twenty eight Years, a woman named Matilda aged about twenty eight Years & her infant child, a woman named Lucy aged about thirty Years a girl named Matilda aged about fourteen Years, a girl named Peggy aged about eleven Years, a boy named John aged about eight Years, and a boy named John Henry aged about three Years. And it is further agreed by and between the said parties that the aforesaid & above described lands and slaves, from and after the signing of this act, shall be & become the joint property, the lands & slaves being considered of equal value the undivided half of the one is exchanged for the undivided half of the other, Now therefore in consideration of the premises he the said Benjamin F. Linton has bargained and sold and does by these presence [sic] grant bargain sell transfer alien and confirm to him the said B. F. Burgess one undivide[d] half of the above described lands with all and singular their appertnenaces [sic] & privileges. To have & To hold the same to him the said Francis B. F. Burgess his heirs, executors, administrators and assigns forever with guarantee of title against the lawful claims of all persons whatsoever And in consideration of the same premises he the said Francis B. F. Burgess has bargained and sold and does hereby grant bargain, sell, alien, transfer and confirm to him the said Benjamin F. Linton an undivided half of the aforesaid and above described slaves To have & to hold the same with guarantee of title against the lawful claims of all persons whatsoever to him the said Benjamin F. Linton his heirs, executors, administrators forever. And it is further agreed that the said Burgess shall have the entire control and direction of the business and operations of the same, the expenditures and profits to be equally divided between the parties. The said parties further agree to furnish, each the sum of five thousand dollars to be laid out during the present Year to Stock the contemplated farm or plantation in slaves. And that each party shall furnish a further sum of five hundred to be expended in cutting Cane, building houses, planting corn and making all the necessary improvements for the occupancy of said land in the Year 1838. It is understood that the aforesaid Slaves are now in the possession of & hired to Bennet B. Simmes to work on his plantation on the Bayou Doylaze [sp?] in the Parish of Avoyelles where they are to remain until the first day of November next and it is agreed by the said Frances B. F. Burgess that if either or any of them should die previous to the said first of November, that in that event the said Burgess is to furnish other or others in their place of equal value. It is fu[r]ther understood and agreed on by the parties, that if either of them should die before the first day of January 1838 then this copartnership is by that even dissolved, in the mean time should the said Linton become endorser in the Bank to enable the said Burgess to raise the aforesaid amount of five thousand dollars before the said first day of January 1838, then the aforesaid negroes are to remain mortgaged and hypothicated to said Linton until the final payment of said Bank debt upon which mortgage an order of Sale & seizure may issue. It is fu[r]ther understood and explained, that in the event of the death of either of the contracting parties, previous to the first day of January next, that in that case this contract, sale and agreement shall be from its commencement nul[l] and void and of no effect whatever. And that the monies which may be advanced by the said Burgess for the purpose of making the improvements as aforesaid shall be reimbursed to him or his heirs. In Testimony whereof the parties have hereunto signed in presence of Richard M. Garwood & Benoit Debaillon competent Witnesses & before George King Parish Judge & ex-officio Notary Public in and for the aforesaid Parish of St. Landry at Opelousas this eleventh day of Feb[r]uary in the Year One thousand eight hundred and thirty seven. The parties dispenses with the certificate required by the 3328th Article of the La. Code. Benj. F. Linton Francis B. F. Burgess Witness Richd. M. Garwood Bt. Debaillon Geo. King P. Judge ******************************************************************************