who first tries to purchase linda

As far as I know nobody tries to purchase Linda. Her life as a slave is a series of circumstances. She was born into slavey and spent her early years with both of her parents, but when her mother dies she's sent to live with her mother's mistress where she is well treated and even educated. When the mistress dies, she becomes a part of her estate and is willed to Dr. Flint, with whom she stays until her eventual escape. The first instance I can see where she is actually purchased comes much later when she is purchased (her freedom was purchased) by her employer Mrs. Bruce. This comes after Emily Flint arrives in New York to capture Linda.