28

(SLAVERY & ABOLITION.) "Sheriff's Sale" auction handbill for property including "5 negroes," in Mark Twain's hometown. Partly printed document signed by Deputy Sheriff J.L. Hatt, 5 1/2 x 7 1/2 inches; minimal wear. Marion County, MO, 30 October 1841


  • Notes: The sheriff announces that by a court order "in favor of sundry plaintiffs" he has seized the property of William M. Collins as listed, including "5 negroes, to wit, Henery aged about 21 years, Abram 14 years, Eliot 13 years, Marey 19 years, Sharlot 10 years," all to be sold "to the highest bidder, for ready money" at Hannibal, Missouri.

    Hannibal was a boom town, where a recently completed railroad terminated on the banks of the Mississippi across from Illinois. It later became best known as the hometown of a small boy named Samuel Clemens who moved to town with his father in 1839, and later gained fame as Mark Twain. His experience growing up among the enslaved people of Hannibal informed the character of Jim in Huckleberry Finn.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Upon request, Swann will facilitate the shipping of purchases to out-of-town buyers at an additional charge for packing, shipping and insurance, but will not be responsible for any loss, damage or delay resulting from the packing, handling and shipping thereof. Unless specific instructions are received, Swann is the sole judge of the method to be used for shipment. Packing and shipping costs will be noted on the invoice mailed to successful bidders after the sale, and are based on the actual costs involved. Be advised that a full commercial invoice must accompany any purchase shipped outside the US.

March 24, 2022 10:30 AM EDT
New York, NY, US

Swann Auction Galleries

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $149 $10
$150 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $5,999 $200
$6,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $20,000
$500,000 + $50,000