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Museum object · Slavery and Freedom Objects

Affidavit affirming Peter Garretson's free status

April 27, 1811

Esopus, Ulster County, New York, 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 sworn affidavit of Henry Wenshell affirming that Peter Garretson is a free man. Document was issued by the City and County of New York. It bears the signature of Peter Mesier and mark of Henry Wenshell. There is black ink on the off-white paper. Standard legal text is printed, while details pertaining to the specific case and individuals mentioned is filled in by hand. The document is split in half horizontally. There is edge wear and discoloration throughout.

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: 2013.46.5.2

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