In the women's yard the ages ranged similarly, and but one woman had a young child.

The slaves were neatly dressed in clothes from a tailor shop within the walls, and additional clothing was already stored ready to be sent with the coffle and issued to its members at the end of the southward journey.

In a yard behind the stockade there were wagons and tents made ready for the departure.

Shipments were commonly made by the firm once every two months in a vessel for New Orleans, but the present lot was to march overland.

Whether by land or sea, the destination was Natchez, where the senior partner managed the selling end of the business.