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Museum object · Slavery and Freedom Objects

Bill of sale for 7-year-old Peter from Martha Avery to Luther Smith

February 20, 1782; reworked 1869

Gilmanton, Belknap County, New Hampshire, 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 Peter, a seven-year old enslaved boy identified as a servant. The child was sold by Martha Avery of Gilmanton, New Hampshire to Luther Smith of Plainfield, Connecticut. Avery states that she purchased Peter from "Sollon Avery of Norwich" and that the boy is to remain enslaved until Peter is twenty-six years old and then he should be emancipated.

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: 2017.38

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