PART 7
1800s thru 1840s
MISSISSIPPI ENSLAVEMENT TRAFFICKERS AT NATCHEZ FORKS-OF-THE-ROADS “2ND
LARGEST” SALE MARKET IN THE DEEP SOUTH
1800s
TEN DOLLARS REWARD
RANAWAY on Wednesday last, a stout Black, Man named CHANCE, about 45 years
of age: well made. He is well known in Natchez, having formerly belonged to
Mr. George Smith, living at the forks of the road. The above reward will be
paid for securing said fellow, so that I get him again, and all reasonable
expences paid if brought home. Wm. O. Evans. March 30.
[Mississippi State Gazette 3-31-1819]
Note to researcher: Go to Franklin’s purchase of property at the Forks and
see if this is the same Smith. 6-3-03
1820s
1830s
WAS committed to the jail of Adams county, on the 8th
day of June, 1831, by H. Tooley, Esq. A negro man calling himself ARRON, about
35 years of age, 5 feet 6 ½ inches high, of very dark complexion, large
redish eyes; high forehead, with a scar on his breast, very bad
countenance—sound but uneven fore teeth—says he belongs to Isaac
Franklin, a negro trader. Had on when committed, blue casinet
pantaloons, and an old linen shirt. The owner of the above described negro is
requested to comply with the law, and take him out of jail. W. W. CALMES,
Jailor. June 8th, 1831.
[The Natchez 6-24-1831]
{Note: Isaac Franklin was the founder of the Forks of the Roads enslavement
selling market in conjunction with his 1315 Duke St. Alexandria Virginia
enslavement buying market}
“As early as 1833 two Lexington {enslavement traffickers} slave traders,
Pierce Griffin and Michael Hughes, were doing business at Natchez, the chief
{enslavement} slave market of Mississippi”
[Lexington’s Slave Dealers and Their Southern Trade by J. Winston Coleman,
Jr. Lexington, Kentucky and reprinted from The Filson Club History Quarterly
Louisville, Kentucky, January, 1938 No. 1 of Vol. 12, pages 1-23]
TEN DOLLARS REWARD.
RANAWAY from the Subscriber, on the night of the 14th inst. a negro
man, named ARRON, about 21 years old, nearly black—5 feet 5 ¾ inches high,
and rather heavily built. Has a scar on the outside of the right knee, and
another a little above the hollow of the left foot, and rupture in the left
side; in disposition somewhat sullen, with downcast look. Had on, when he
absconded, black linsey pantaloons and purple colored dress coat.—It is
probable he may lurk about the Forks of the Road, near Natchez, the
neighborhood in which I purchased him. The above Reward will be paid for his
apprehension, and all reasonable expenses paid. April 15—26
RUNAWAY
FROM the subscriber, living in Jefferson county, Miss. About four miles south
east of Rodney, on the 29th inst, two negro men of the following
description, to wit: CHARLES, aged about 23 years, mulatto complexion, about 5
feet 4 or 5 inches high, stout built, has a scar on his neck occasioned by the
cut of a knife. Said negro had on when he went away, brown velvet pantaloons,
blue mixed home-spun coat, check shirt, and broad brim wool hat, half worn.
Also JIM, aged about 25 years, very dark complexion, round face, about 5 feet
7 or 8 inches high, stout built, clothing not recollected except a gig top
seal skin cap. A liberal reward will be given for the apprehension and
delivery of the said negroes, or either of them to me. Or securing them and
giving information so that I can get them. It is expected that the above
negroes will make for New Orleans, by way of the river. They both speak the
French language fluently. JOHN D. JAMES July 12,---21-tf.
[Mississippi Journal & Natchez Advertiser 4-26-1833]
{Note: Arron is one of the few enslaved persons documented to have been
trafficked at the Forks of the Roads and most likely trafficked by Franklin
and Armfield. He was not the same Arron who ran away from Isaac
Franklin and was committed to the Adams County Jail as stated in ad above
listed in The Natchez 6-24-1831}
[Baton Rouge Gazette 7-12-1834]
{NOTE: This add has been placed in the dealers section because there was a
long distance enslavement trafficker named John D. James. It is suspected the
above was the same person as John D. James dealing at Forks of the Roads
Natchez}
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE.
“Rice Carter Ballard was probably born around 1800 in Virginai. By thelate
1820s, he was involved in the interstate {enslavement} slave trade, buyings
{enslaved persons} slaves in the southeastern states, especially Virginia and
North Carolina, and selling them in New Orleans and Natchez. By 1831, Ballard
was involved in a {enslavement trafficking} slave trading partnership with
Isaac Franklin and John Armfield, who ran one of the largest interstate
{enslavement trafficking} slave trading operations of the nineteenth century.
Ballard moved from Virginia to Natchez in the fall of 1836,
1840s
“In the fall of 1843 the firm of Hughes & Downing was
established in Lexington, for the purpose of {ill-getting} buying {enslaved
Persons} slaves in Kentucky and selling them in the South. Their first venture
was the purchase of thirteen good and likely negroes from the central
Bluegrass counties, which they sent to Natchez and sold during the winter of
1844.”
“While Hughes & Downing were at the Natchez Forks of the Road during the
winter and spring of 1843-44, disposing of their Kentucky {enslaved persons}
slaves to the Mississippi {enslavers} planters,* the firm of Griffin &
Pullum, of Lexington, was actvely engaged in the {traffic} trade, but on a
larger scale. This concern also had {enslaved persons} slaves in the Southern
market where Hughes & Downing were {trafficking} trading.”*
*There were footnotes 21 and 22 pertaining to the above that read: “I was
linving in Natchez, Mississippi at that time and saw said Hughes & Downing
in the city of Natchez. They were trading negroes. Downing was at the forks of
the Road, at all times, to attend to the sale of said lot of {enslaved
persons} slaves. Hughes boarded at my house and at the City Hotel, spending
mosts of his tme in town. Deposition of William B. Forman. Hughes vs. Downing,
supra.” “William A. Pullum, of Griffin & Pullum, testified that he had
carried a much larger group of [enslaved persons} slaves to the Natchez market
in the winter of 1843-44 and there saw Hughes & Downing engaged in the
same business. Ibid.”
[Lexington’s Slave Dealers and Their Southern Trade by J. Winston Coleman,
Jr. Lexington, Kentucky and reprinted from The Filson Club History Quarterly
Louisville, Kentucky, January, 1938 No. 1 of Vol. 12, pages 1-23]
NOTICE
We are offering at the Forks Road, a lot of young and LIKELY NEGROES, and will
receive monthly fresh supplies from Virginia and Maryland, consisting of
Mechanics, Field Hands, House Servants Cooks, Washers, Ironers, &c.
&c. of the latter at this time a choice supply. We would call attention to
the facilities offering from our connection with a trading house in Orleans,
in supplying at all times any number of description wanted, also, being at
less expense, we will sell at a corresponding less price, and promise the
planter to make to his advantage to buy here at home rather than go to
Orleans. Try us before going. P. S.__Lately received, a lot of 30, and will
receive in ten days, another supply of likely and valuable Virginia and
Maryland Negroes. JNO. T. HATCHER Natchez. Nov. 5, 1846---c8w6m Forks Road.
[Mississippi Free Trader 4-3-1847]
NOTE: JOHN T. HATCHER placed the same ad in the Concordia Intelligencer on
November 21, 1846. At the end he stated: N B –We have a lot of six or eight
we offer a great bargain to go together Natchez nov 6 ’46 f
[The Concordia Intelligencer 11-21-1846]
NEGROES FOR SALE
I HAVE NINETY NEGREOS just arrived from Richmond Virginia, consisting of Field
hands and house servants of both sexes, seamstress, &c &c. which I
will sell as law as there can be purchased when in Natchez or New Orleans, I
shall have a lot of negroes to arrive every month during the season and in the
lot that will arrive next month there will be a first rate Blacksmith. JOHN D.
JAMES Forks Road, Natchez Oct. 31, 1846 14-tf The Alexandria Democrat; Monroe
Courier; Port Gipson Herald; Richmond, La. Journal and Fayette Watch Tower,
will copy 3 times and charge this office.
[The Concordia Intelligencer 11-21-1846]
LOOK HERE!
Natchez March 3rd, 1847.
IN addition to the former lot of negroes, I received on the 22d of February a
lot of thirty negroes and on the 26th a lot of thirteen negroes and
expect about thirty more and have ordered a lot of about the same number to
arrive in the month of April, consisting of field hands, house servants
&c. of both sexes. Those wishing to purchase will do well to call and
examine my lot as I am determined to put them down at the very lowest possible
pries. Believing it the true policy to sell at small profits and make quick
sales. I will guarantee to sell at $25 or $50 less than the same kind of
negroes can be purchased from the regular traders in New Orleans. JOHN D.
JAMES. March 6, 1847-tf.
[The Concordia Intelligencer 3-6-1847]
NEGROES FOR SALE
I HAVE just received direct from Richmond, Virginia, a lot of 21 negroes which
added to my former lot gives me a fine lot on hand of about 55 negroes.
Besides field hands of both sexes and of all grades and prices, I have one
Blacksmith, two Seamstresses, two Cooks of the first order and several
carriage drivers and house servants of both sexes; as this is my last shipment
I now wish to close out as soon as I can and will sell them at the lowest
possible prices for cash or approved acceptances on New Orleans payable in six
months. Call and try me. JOHN D. JAMES, may 1, 47-tf Forks Road Natchez.
[The Concordia Intelligencer 5-15-1847]
100 LIKELY YOUNG NEGROES
of both sexes, field hands, house servants, cooks, washers, ironers and
seamstresses, one carpenter, for sale at the Forks of the Road, near Natchez,
by B. W. POWELL. Oct 9-tf
[The Concordia Intelligencer 10-16-1847]
90 Negroes For Sale
I HAVE about ninety Negroes, just arrived from Richmond, Virginia, consisting
of Field Hands, House Servants, Carriage Drivers, two Seamstresses, several
very fine Cooks (females,) and one very fine meat Cook (male,) one Blacksmith,
one carpenter, all of which I will sell at the most reasonable prices. I have
made arrangements in Richmond, Va., to have regular shipments every month, and
intend to keep a good stock on hand of every description of servants during
the season. JOHN D. JAMES. P. S.—I have just received a lot of thirty
Negroes direct from Richmond, Va. Forks Roads, Natchez Nov. 23—s&wtf
[The Ariel December 17, 1847]
75 NEGROES FOR SALE
I HAVE JUST RECEIVED 50 Negroes direct from Richmond, Virginia. I have 25
Negroes of my former receipts. I now wish to close out my year’s business as
son as possible and will sell at the lowest possible prices, and will
guarantee to sell under New Orleans prices. Those who wish to purchase would
do well to call n me before thy buy. JOHN D. JAMES Forks Road Natchez, April
10th, 1848---s&wtf.
[Mississippi Free Trader 4-1-1848]
{Please note: The ad below is notorious enslavement trafficker Thomas G. James
of The James brothers}
FRESH ARRIVALS
I have just received information that I shall have to receive about the ?
April 50 negroes, direct from Richmond Virginia. I may receive another small
lot by the 20th of this month, ten or more, which will be my last
for the season, and as I am now anxious to close out my year’s business, I
will sell at the lowest possible prices for cash, on approved New Orleans
acceptances, payable in 4 or 6 months. I have yet about 25 negroes on hand of
my former receipts. JOHN D. JAMES Forks Road Natchez. The Port Gibson Herald
and Vicksburg Weekly Whig will publish three times and charge this office.
[The Concordia Intelligencer 5-6-1848]
CLOSE OF YEARS BUSINESS
I have now not more than 45 Negroes on hand from all my arrivals, this season.
All of these are direct from Richmond, Virginia, and will be sold at great
bargains as I have determined to close my year’s business as soon as
possible and with that view, have made a very materiel reduction in my prices.
Those who desire to purchase Negroes therefore will benefit themselves by
giving me a call. I will sell for cash or approved New Orleans acceptances
payable in 4 or 6 months. JOHN D. JAMES. May 6-tf
[The Concordia Intelligencer 5-6-1848
104 NEGROES
THE undersigned would respectfully inform planters and all others desirous of
purchasing negroes, that he has arrived at the Forks of the Road, near
Natchez, with one hundred and four of the likeliest Negroes ever offered in
this market, consisting of Field Hands and House Servants of every
description, two good Blacksmiths and one House Carpenter whose qualifications
are not to be surpassed by any workman. Sept 16—c&w2m*
[The Mississippi Free Trader & Natchez Gazette 9-28-1848]
RUNAWAY
On the 26th ult., from the employment of Mr. R Massy, of Natchez,
negro slave JIM, black, aged about 25 years, 5 feet 10 or 11 inches in height,
speaks bold and familiarly, has some noted scars on the back of his neck, and
a scalled place on the top of his head Said slave was purchased on the 13th
of August last from F. J. Larkin, of Monticello, Miss, and may be making his
way there. A reasonable reward will be paid for his apprehension, or any
information where he may be found. Address B. W. POWELL, per J. T. HATCHER
Forks of the Road, Natchez, Sept. 1, 1849.—tf.
[Mississippi Free Trader 9-28-1849]
NEGROES.
JUST arrived from Virginia with One Hundred Negroes, for sale at the Forks of
the Road; amongst them are some fine House Servants, Cooks, Washer and
Ironers. THOS. WILLIAMS. Oct 10-w &swtf
[Mississippi Free Trader 10-10-1849]
NEGROES.
JUST arrived and offering for sale, at the Forks of the Road, near Natchez,
eighty young and likely NEGROES, consisting of house servants, field hands,
male and female, mechanics, &c. &c., and will be receiving additional
supplies every month during the season. B. W. POWELL. Natchez, Sept. 29, 1849,
c&wlm Natchez Courier will please copy.
[Mississippi Free Trader 10-10-1849]
CHOICE NEGROES.
A NEW ARRIVAL OF 85 NEGROES
I HAVE NOW ON HAND A LOT of valuable Negroes, consisting of Field Hands, House
Servants and in fact, fit for every kind of service, from the age of 14
upwards. They are well worthy of attention and I have no doubt that those who
examine them will supply themselves as I am determined to sell them low. They
are negroes that can be warranted and, therefore, persons from a distance need
have no hesitation about coming to see them. Whatever kind of servant a person
may desire, I ask them to give me a call before purchasing. B. W. POWELL Forks
of the Road near Natchez, Sept. 29, 49-tf
[The Concordia Intelligencer 11-10-1849]
A FINE LOT OF NEGROES
I will be in Natchez about the 20th of October and have with me the
best lot of negroes that I ever took to that or any other market. They are a
selected lot,--certain. All told I will have, there, about the time named not
less than 145 negroes. And they are all young and likely. Among them will be
found all descriptions of servants, Field hands, House servants, Carriage
drivers, Blacksmiths, &c. I have three of the finest Seamstresses and
Mantua makers that I ever brought to the South. I am determined to sell this
most valuable lot of Negroes on the most liberal terms and would like to see
intending purchasers on my premises, Forks of the Road near Natchez before the
assortment is diminished. JOHN D. JAMES Natchez papers and New Orleans Weekly
Delta are requested by advertiser to copy. October 13, 1849-tf
[The Concordia Intelligencer 11-10-1849]
FRESH ARRIVAL OF FIFTY NEGROES!
I HAVE just received a lot of Fifty Negroes direct from Richmond,
Virginia. I have now on hand about One Hundred and Twenty Negroes, as
likely a lot as I ever saw together, consisting of field hands, house
servants, carriage drivers, one first rate weaver, three blacksmiths. I have
made arrangements to receive regular shipments during the season, and in the
lot that is to arrive in January, there will be a No. 1 carpenter. Those
wishing to purchase will do well to call before doing so elsewhere, as I am
determined to sell under the New Orleans prices and no mistake. JOHN D.
JAMES. I will also sell on liberal terms, the House and Lot in which I now
reside; I have also several Wagons and Harness and several Horses for sale.
Natchez, December 22 s&wtf.
[Mississipi Free Trader 12-22-1849]
*******************************
Copyright © 2006. Ser Seshs Ab Heter-Clifford M. Boxley, Natchez, Mississippi. All Rights Reserved.
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