Slave Registry Listing a 19 Year Old Enslaved Black Male "Empadronamiento General de esclavos" - Puerto Rico, 1870

Slave registry document titled "Empadronamiento General de esclavos" from Arecibo, Puerto Rico. 1870. Measuring 6.25" x 8.5". This document was registered by a Puerto Rican born person and lists an enslaved 19 year old male by the name of "Maurice[?]" documented on the receipt. Document bears official signatures from the local authorities, as well as a red postage stamp. The enslaved person is listed by their age, stature, "color", hair color, beard, eyes, nose, and mouth. The "color" of this individual is listed as "negro". 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, heading partially cut, and back reinforced by notepaper. Overall very good condition. (Inventory #: 20797)