ADS, signed “N. B. Forrest,” one page, 8 x 5, February 11, 1859. Document, written in Forrest’s hand reads, “Feby 11, 1859, Rec’d of John P. Tressevant, Clerk of the County Court of Shelby County, two slaves, one named John, of copper color, aged about 19 years, and the other named Anthony of copper color, aged about twelve years, which slaves are deposited with me for safe keeping subject to the further orders of said Clerk, or competant legal authority.” Boldly signed at the bottom, “N. B. Forrest.” Accompanied by a one page receipt of sale, 8 x 5.75, written in Forrest’s hand and signed “N. B. Forrest,” dated March 23, 1859, for John and Anthony, as well as their clothing, totalling $41.40. Some say Forrest took very good care of the slaves under his charge and did his best to keep slaves united with their families, others relate quite the opposite. In 1859, after accumulating roughly $1,000,000 from his business as a slave trader and plantation owner in Memphis, Bedford withdrew from that occupation and bought a new plantation in Cohoma County, Missouri, where he made another $30,000 by 1861. When Tennessee seceded from the Union in 1861, Forrest signed up for the militia as a private. Locals from Memphis persuaded Governor Isham Harris and General Leonidas Polk that Forrest was fit for a much higher position. Both are gilt and cloth matted and framed with a portrait of Forrest, to an overall size of 24.5 x 25. Some scattered light toning and three vertical folds to handwritten document, one fold through a single letter of signature and an uneven bottom edge, otherwise very fine condition. LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
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