This public sale of slaves was prohibited in the coast towns, c. 1850, under pressure from European powers, but means are found to evade the prohibition.
In January-March 1769 the Penns caused to be surveyed the " Manor of Pittsburgh," a tract of about 5700 acres, including much of the original city, intending to reserve it for their private use; but in the following April they offered at public sale the lands in the remainder of their purchase of the preceding year.'
Consignors typically receive anywhere from 60 to 70 percent of their sales, plus they are often given a chance to shop early before the public sale begins.
