A Letter from Isaac Jr. to Simon Tufts, 1776; also quoted in Medford Historical Society Papers. Vol. 2 Walter H. Cushing. Slavery in Medford:
After the beginning of hostilities in 1775 Colonel Royall departed for Nova Scotia, andDr. Tufts for a while managed his property. Under date of March 12, 1776, Royal writes: ‘Please to sell the following negroes; Stephen and George; they each cost £ 60 sterling; and I would take £ 50, or even £ 15, apiece for them.1Hagar cost £ 35 sterling, but I will take £ 30 for her. I gave for Mira £ 35, but will take £ 25. If Mr. Benjamin Hall will give the £ 100 for her which he offered, he may have her, it being a good place. As to Betsey and her daughter Nancy, the former may tarry, or take her freedom, as she may choose; and Nancy you may put out to some good family by the year.’
Hoover, Gladys N. The Elegant Royalls of New England. New York: Vantage Press, 1974:
As to Betsey, and her daughter Nancy, the former may tarry, or take her freedom, as she may choose; and Nancy you may put out to some good family by the year” (p.83).