Northern Bill of Sale for a Slave, Purchased by Future NJ Governor

1p, measuring 8" x 12", Somerset, New Jersey, dated June 15, 1807. A bill of sale for a slave between Jocham Quick and future New Jersey governor, Peter Dumont Vroom. Reading in part: "I Jocham Quick…for the sum of three hundred dollars, have and do bargain and sell to Peter D. Vroom…a negro man named Sam…And I do warrant and will defend the said Peter D. Vroom in the peaceable possession of the said negro man against me and all persons whatsoever." Signed by Quick and witnessed by John Pittenger. With a paper embossed seal at the middle right edge. The document has flattened folds, with toning and light mat burn. Rough edges. Evidence of mounting residue on verso. Boldly signed. Overall, very good.

Although New Jersey banned the importation of slaves in 1788, slavery wasn't fully abolished until nearly 80 years later. New Jersey was the last state in the North to abolish slavery, passing a gradual abolition law in 1804. Children born after 1804 were freed, but some still had to serve apprenticeships to the owners of their mothers. Female slaves were freed at the age of 21 and males were freed at 25. Those slaves who were born before 1804 were to be considered as indentured servants "apprenticed for life." Slavery in the state would not officially end until 1865 when the Thirteenth Amendment was passed.

Peter Dumont Vroom (1791-1873) served as the ninth governor of New Jersey from 1829–1832 and 1833–1836, and later as a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1839–1841. He graduated from Columbia College in 1808, meaning that he purchased the above-recorded slave while he was still in school. Records show that Vroom owned several slaves during the course of his life.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!