Maine Memory Network

This bill of lading from the Brigandine Sarah was for a “One Negro Woman… Consigned to M: William Pepperell”, sailing from Barbados to the Piscataqua River. While her name was never recorded, a note on the side describes the woman as having a “Mark with a Y on ye right Sholder.” Not long after her delivery to Maine, Pepperell reported that “… one negro woman, marked Y. on the left breast, died about three weeks after her arrival in spite of medical aid which I procured. All the rest died at sea.”

The most famous slave owner in Maine was Sir William Pepperell (1696 – 1759). In the early 1700s, the owning of slaves was a mark of wealth and success. Pepperell bought and sold slaves throughout his life, and left four slaves to his wife in his will. This receipt documents the sale of "one negro man" named Ceaser, about thirty five years old, sold by Sareth Mendum of Kittery to William Pepperell, also of Kittery.

In 1738, James Fogg of Kittery paid one hundred and thirty pounds to Abraham Cross for a slave woman named Mezsa.

As he neared death, Charles Frost (1678 – 1724) ensured that his last will and testament was up to date and directed the disposal of all his properties in Kittery and Berwick. This property included his four slaves, named Hector, Prince, Pompey, and Cesar. The will transferred ownership of these slaves to his sons, some only after the death of Frost’s wife.

Principal slave trade routes to Falmouth (Portland) in Casco Bay, circa 1765 created by Charles P.M. Outwin.