Bills of sale of a slave named Nancy. The initial bill was written by notary William Christy in New Orleans, Louisiana. Jacob Sevy is selling Nancy, approximately 15, to John Covington Thomas of Gainsville, Alabama, for $1,200. Handwritten bills are added explaining that John C. Thomas sells Nancy to James Chessher in August 1838 for $3,000, who in turn sells her to Stephen Jackson of Jefferson County, Texas, in 1840 for $1,000. A separate paper is included with a description of this document.

Bill of sale witnessed by notary Selim Wagner, containing details of the sale of a slave named Adam or Tircis. Adam was sold for $1,225 by auctioneer for the estate of the deceased Pierre Riviere of New Orleans as directed by his executor, Nicolas Tourne. The buyer was Lucretia Van Woert of Sabine Pass, Texas, though her husband, Theodore Gripon, accepted on her behalf.

Photograph of a lighthouse on the Louisiana side of the Sabine ship canal. Two people stand at the base of the lighthouse, and a building is visible in the background.

Photograph of Cosimo Matassa standing in front of his J & M Music Shop. He's an elderly man wearing glasses, a red sweater, and black slacks. The shop has its name in the sidewalk in front of green doors.

Photograph of Harry Choates and his wife, Helen, standing in a field. Helen is holding baby Edison. There is a dirt road behind them that runs in front of a white house.