Bill of Sale (Johnson/Banks & Lockwood)

On April 9, 1806, the following was recorded in Liberty County Superior Court: 

[Begin transcript]

Charleston 1st March 1806

To the Sheriff of Liberty County, Georgia

Sir

This will be handed you by Mrs. Johnson who will take charge of the Seven Negroes in your charge on a mortgage of Geo. [George] Johnson to Banks & Lockwood, which I wish you to buy in my name, as Mrs. Reynolds thinks, with myself, they would be sacrificed, were they to be sold for cash at this time. Mrs. Johnson will pay you your com’n and bill of sale  & sh’d [should] there be any other expenses attending the arrangement. If any thing else is wanted from me, you must write me immediately concerning it, as there is no time to lose, or advise at my Attorney Mr. Woodruff. I remain with much respect, 

Sir Yr mo. Ob. Sev’t [Your most obedient servant]

Charles Banks

April 1st 1806 Received of Joseph Jones Sheriff of Liberty County the within named Seven Negroes the same being purchased on, at Sheriff’s Sales, for Charles Banks by the said Joseph Jones agreeably to the purport of this letter, which s’d [said] Negroes I have now in my possession for the s’d [said] Charles Banks. 

[End transcript]

[Note: the document did not contain the names of the seven enslaved persons.]