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Museum object · Slavery and Freedom Objects

Bill of sale for Sam purchased by Edward Rouzee

January 14, 1800

Essex County, Virginia, United States, North and Central America

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Source catalog description

This description refers to material held by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visual details below describe the original material.

A bill of sale for "one negro man slave named Sam." Sam was sold by James Thomas to Edward Rouzee for one hundred (100) pounds. The signature of Thomas is in the lower right corner, next to the word "seal," which has been circled. The document was witnessed by William Hord and William Hutchenson and their signatures are recorded in the bottom left corner. The document is dated January 14, 1800. The document is handwritten in brown ink. The paper is torn on all sides surrounding the text and it has been folded vertically three times. On the reverse is written "Thomas To Rouzee Bill of Sale."

Sources & collection details

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture — original record ↗

Source collection ↗

Catalog metadata · CC0 · Source checked 2026-10-13

Catalog reference: 2011.104.5

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