Sold for $1,188

"The North-Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company," partially printed document utilized by a policy holder for the purpose of insuring the life of an enslaved individual. [Raleigh, NC]. Ca 1849-1865. Unused, 2pp, 8 x 12 1/2 in. (slight creases, generally good). Document directs policy applicant to describe in detail the enslaved individual to be insured, and on verso provides space for notes from an examining physician to detail the condition of the enslaved individual. A rare "slave insurance" form demonstrating the capacity of the insurance industry to capitalize on and profit from the enslavement of African Americans.

[With:] Manuscript last will and testament of William Carter, Laurens District, South Carolina, 20 November 1845. 4pp, 8 x 13 in. (toning, creasing at folds). Carter bequeaths unto his wife Martha Carter nine enslaved individuals, "Jack and Liza his wife - Betsy and her three children - Caroline, Essye and John - Diannah and her child Margaret and also my negro man Ike." The US Federal Census lists William Carter (1806-1845) of Laurens County with 10 enslaved individuals in 1840.