This 1842 handbill is for a Vicksburg-area estate sale. Way down is this language: "The Negroes will be sold in lots to suit purchasers." Families could be, and were, broken up.

Slavery enjoyed widespread endorsement from various churches, who noted "Slaves obey your earthly masters with respect and fear...." and "The Curse of Ham" are Biblical. The departed owner's pew in a Presbyterian Church is also among the items for sale.