by Slavery, Puerto Rico
Slave registry document titled "Empadronamiento General de esclavos" from Santana, Arecibo, Puerto Rico. 1867. Measuring 8.5" x 12.5". This document was registered by a farmer with the surname Ortiz and lists four individual enslaved persons documented on the receipt. Document bears official signatures from the local authorities, as well as a green postage stamp from Arecibo. The enslaved persons are listed by their age, stature, "color", hair color, beard, eyes, nose, and mouths. The "color" of each individual is listed as "negro". The four enslaved persons are aged 21, 26, 26, and 28. The first person's information is fully filled out alongside his sex, while the other three have less information other than their names and physical traits. They're named as "Nicolasa", "[...]", "Barbara," and "Elena". En verso is the printed instructions on how to fill the form as well as the articles on the law of slave trafficking. In Puerto Rico, slavery would be abolished in 1873. However, the act that outlawed the practice did not emancipate slaves, instead phasing it out while also indebting slaves to their masters. Slaves would have to work for a term of three years for their former masters, the state, or other employers to be released from slavery, in addition to having to pay back the master a portion of the 35 million pesetas that he was to be compensated for each former slave. Some minor wormholes and occasional spotting. Overall good condition.
(Inventory #: 20786)
(818) 224-4555
