American Historical Ephemera & Photography

A group of land indentures, including a document signed by South Carolina jurist James L. Petigru (1789-1863), considered the last prominent Unionist in Charleston at the outset of the Civil War.

16 X 19 in. indenture (seam restoration on verso, paper seal intact, minor loss of letters in some words). 9 March 1814, District of Coosawhatchie, South Carolina.
Ageement between Frederick Fraser and Benjamin Heape Buckner, transferring 404 1/4 acres of land for the sum of $8649.32. Frederick Fraser signs the indenture bond along with witnesses James L. Petigru ("J.L. Petigru") and William D. Martin.

Frederick Fraser (1762 – 1816) was a Beaufort, SC cotton factor and a plantation owner (Bellevue, near the Pocatalico River). This land, according to the bond description was adjacent to lands he already owned enlarging Bellevue Plantation. James Louis Petigru was a notable lawyer and jurist in South Carolina who over the years was involved with numerous cases dealing with the laws of South Carolina. A strong Constitutionalist, he opposed secession and famously stated after secession was announced, “South Carolina is too small for a republic, but too large for an insane asylum.” 

[With:] A group of 2 land grants, 10 September 1817 and 31 March 1818, both signed by Tennessee Governor Jospeh McMinn (heavy wear, both completely separated at center fold). McMinn helped frame the first constitution of Tennessee, and widely involved in Indian Affairs in the state. -- A document indicating power of attorney with respect to disposition of tracts of land in Virginia, 12 September 1811.