Printed and Manuscript Americana

New York: November 6, 1811. Two sheets, each 12 3/4 x 7 3/4 in. (324 x 197 mm). Two partially-printed documents, one signed by Mary Charlton authorizing the manumission of her slave named Nancy March, granting her "all and singular the liberties, rights, privileges, and immunities of a free woman fully to all intents and purposes, as if she had been born free...". The other document signed by De Witt Clinton as Mayor of New York, certifying the above document. Both with creasing from old folds; offsetting to bottom margins; scattered soiling.

Lot also includes a partially-printed document (single sheet, size as above), dated June 1, 1810, signed by New York City Mayor Jacob Radcliff, certifying the manumission of another slave owned by Mary Charlton named Dinah Edwards.

Includes two contemporary protective wraparound paper bands, each with contemporary docketing.

A rare group of documents certifying the manumission of two slaves, a Nancy March and a Dinah Edwards, both owned by Mary Charlton, widow of New York City doctor John Charlton (1756-1806).

John Charlton was a well known surgeon who practiced medicine in the court of George III, before emigrating to New York. He remained in the city after the American Revolution despite his Loyalist leanings, and became the President of the New York Medical Society, and a trustee of Columbia University.