Daniel McLean to Josiah H Bell, September 27, 1831

Summary: Daniel McLean sold to Josiah Bell a twenty two year old slave named Ben for $600. McLean swore that Ben was in good health and had been enslaved prior to the 1826 law banning slavery in the state of Cohuila and Texas.

Know all men by these presents that I Daniel McLane of the State of Cohuila & Texas, for and in consideration of the Sum of Six Hundred Dollars to me in hand paid by Josiah H. Bell of the same State, do hereby sell, transfer, and convey to the said Josiah H Bell, one certain Negro Man named Ben aged about twenty two years--which said Negro Man I sell & warrant as a slave for life he having been introduced into the State aforesaid previous to the year 1826, when, by the constitution of the Said State, Slavery which had been previously tolerated, was abolished.

To Have and To Hold, the said Negro Man Ben--to the Said Josiah H Bell, his heirs, excrs & admrs & assigns free from the claim or claims of all persons whatever--& I do hereby moreover warrant the said Negro Man Ben to be in sound health and condition.

In Witness whereof I hereunto set my hand & Seal this 27th day of September 1831

Daniel McLean (Seal)

Test

P.W. Grayson

Moses Morrison

[Endorsed:]

Danl McLean to Josiah H Bell Bill of Sale

Josiah H Bells Bill of Sale of Ben.

Source Copy Consulted: Daniel McLean to Josiah H Bell, September 27, 1831, James Franklin Perry and Stephen Samuel Perry Papers, Records of Ante-bellum Southern Plantations, Series G, Part 1, Reel 12, Frame 864