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Petition from a black loyalist for relief from an alleged master. She and her husband came to New York five years ago, presumably as free people, but a man named William Fanay claimed them as his slaves. He "has taken her pays from her that he may prove his Property which she firmly believes he cannot."

Expresses shock at news that one of John's slaves committed suicide by hanging; "you should inquire Strictly . . . in your Overseers Management before the Mischief increased--Severity will by no means answer for these unfortunate Creatures..." Lachlan's slave Frank has escaped, which has caused him much distress.

Act freeing Peter Williams, late the property of John Heard. Williams had been the property of a man who had "joined the enemies of the United States by going into their lines." Williams returned in 1780 and enlisted in the Continental Army. His owner's estate had been confiscated and Williams became the property of the state, and in reward for his services he has been manumitted.

Comments regarding proposed purchases of enslaved people, the sellers' preference to sell all together, and the expectation that Simon Taylor will purchase "as the place lies contiguous to some of his land." Suggestions on how to successfully purchase the enslaved people. Mentions obtaining timber from Georgia, challenges and best practices for plowing, and livestock needs. Needs to rebuild the Cattle Mill and comments about other mills on the estate. Believes enslaved laborers would reluctantly leave "from the neighborhood," but plentiful provisions might make it easier. Will need enslaved field laborers to meet agricultural expectations, especially because the need to erect buildings has caused them to be behind with the crops. Address leaf includes note "By Toney," indicating it was hand-delivered, likely by an enslaved man of that name.

Warning Backus,"Negro alias Fox," out of town.

Document attesting to the sale of a nine year old child named James for 30 pounds. Verso: Nathaniel Wilson DS to Jonathan Robinson, April 14, 1785. Receipt of payment of 30 pounds and statement that James is "free of & Clean of aney distemper or disorder what Ever." This document arrived at the Clements Library with two documents regarding the June 1828 sale of Caroline.

Binding Joseph, a free mixed-race boy, as apprentice to James Smock; "to dwell and serve untill he arrives to the age of Twenty One Years…" Also lists Smock's obligations to Joseph, incuding clothing, washing, and schooling.

"Etat des Negres Vendus provenant de la Cargaison du Navire Negrier le Jeremie, Cap. Leguillon." Record of sale of 403 black men, women, and children, acquired on the Gold Coast and transported in the ship Jérémie. NB: Slave sale occurring in Haiti.

Information regarding James Arnold, a dinner in the company of Granville Sharp (1735-1813), and "On Monday next I shall attend the privy Council by Appointment, and lay before them . . . the Evidence collected in my late tour." (See Clarkson's Abolition of the Slave Trade I, 338ff.)