Gang of 460 Negroes: Long Cotton and Rice Plantation Sale

Horrifying historical advertisement announcing the sale of "A GANG OF 460 NEGROES, accustomed to the culture of Rice and Provis ons; among whom are a number of good mechanics, and house servants" to be sold on March 31st in Savannah by Joseph Bryan. This chilling newspaper notice documents one of the largest mass slave sales in American history, advertising 460 human beings with detailed payment terms including "One-third cash; remainder by bond, bearing interest from day of sale." The advertisement notes that "The Negroes will be sold in families, and can be seen on the plantations of JOSEPH BRYAN, in Savannah, three days prior to the day of sale, when catalogues will be furnished." The casual business language—describing people as a "gang," listing their labor skills, offering financing terms, and promising catalogs—reveals the massive commercial infrastructure of slavery. The mention of selling "in families" was meant to attract buyers, though it still meant families would be separated and sold to different owners. A devastating document of slavery's scale and commodification, available in three sizes with your choice of black or silver aluminum frame.