Ducor Contract Primary Document (Original Re-typed)

The text of the original…              DUCOR CONTRACT                                       (Dec. 15, 1821)

“KNOW ALL MEN, that this contract, made on the fifteenth day of December, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-one, between King Peter, King George, King Zoda and King Long Peter, their Princes, and Head-men, of the one part: and Captain Robert F. Stockton and Eli Ayres of the other part; WITNESSETH, That whereas certain citizens of the United States of America are desirous to establish themselves on the Western Coast of Africa, and have invested Captain Robert F. Stockton and Eli Ayres with full powers to treat with and purchase from the said Kings, Princes, and Head-men certain lands, viz: Dozoa Island, and also all that portion of land bounded north and west by the Atlantic Ocean, and on the south and east by a line drawn in a south-east direction from the north of Mesurado river, WE, the said Kings, Princes, and Head-men, being fully convinced of the Pacific and just views of the said citizens of America, and being desirous to reciprocate the friendship and affection expressed to us and our people, DO HEREBY, in consideration of so much paid in hand, viz: Six muskets, one box Beads, two hogsheads Tobacco, one cask Gunpowder, six bars Iron, ten iron Pots, one dozen Knives and Forks, one dozen Spoons, six pieces blue Baft, four Hats, three Coats, three pair Shoes, one box Pipes, one keg Nails, twenty Looking-glasses, three pieces Handkerchiefs, three pieces Calico, three Canes, four Umbrellas, one box Soap, one barrel Rum; And to be paid, the following: three casks Tobacco, one box Pipes, Three barrels Rum, Twelve pieces Cloth, six bars Iron, one box Beads, fifty Knives, twelve Guns, three barrels Gunpowder, one dozen Plates, one dozen Knives and Forks, twenty Hats, five casks Beef, five barrels Pork, ten barrels Biscuit, twelve Decanters, twelve glass Tumblers, and fifty Shoes, FOR EVER CEDE AND RELINQUISH the above described Lands, with all thereto appertaining or belonging, or reputed to so belong, to Captain Robert F. Stockton and Eli Ayres, TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the said premises for the use of the said Citizens of America. And WE, the said Kings and Princes and Head-men, do further pledge ourselves that we are the lawful owners of the above described Land, without manner of conditions, limitations, or other matter.“The contracting Parties pledge themselves to live in peace and friendship for ever; and do further agree to build for the use of the said Citizens of America, six large houses, on any place selected by them within the above described tract of ceded land.

“IN WITNESS whereof, the said Princes, Kings and Head-men of the one part; and Captain Robert Stockton and Eli Ayres of the other part; do set their hands to this covenant, on the day and year above written.

(Signed) King Peter X his mark, King George X his mark, King Zoda X his mark, King Long Peter X his mark, King Governor X his mark, King Jimmy X his mark, Captain Robert F. Stockton, Eli Ayres, M.D.

“Witness (signed) John S. Mill, John Craig