Viewing page 160 of 252

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

[[image - Stamp]]

No. 315. 

Articles of Agreement made and concluded this first day of November, 1865, between Robert Johnson and John Harris of Washington, County of Washington, State Dist. of Columbia, party of the first part and Charles S. Coutee, of Aquasco, County of Prince George, State of Maryland, party of the second part. 

The said Robert Johnson and John Harris, free laborers, agrees to enter the service of the said Charles S. Coutee as Farm Labors, and, also, that they will faithfully and diligently apply themselves and perform the duties of Farm Labors, on the premises, of said Charles S. Coutee, and answer all the reasonable requirements of the said Charles S. Coutee, for, and during the space of 14. from the first day of November, 1865; and they further agree that their employer shall retain one-fourth their monthly wages until the expiration of their term of service. 

And the said Charles S. Coutee, hereby agrees to employ them (the said freed laborers) for the term of fourteen months, as aforesaid, and to pay for their services the sum set opposite their respective names, per month - (one-fourth of which shall be retained each month,) and all stoppages and arrearages promptly paid at the expiration of their respective terms of service, to-wit: 

To Richard Johnson (per month) $8.00 from 1st November 1865 to 1st April 1866 $10.00 from 1st April 1866 to 1st Nov 1866 |  To  $

To John Harris per month $8.00 from 1st November 1865 to 1st April 1866 $10.00 from 1st April 1866 to 1st Nov 1866 |  To  $

To  $  |  To  $

in equal monthly payments; and the said Charles S. Coutee, further agrees to furnish said freed laborers above named, quarters, fuel, full substantial and healthy rations, and all necessary medical attendance and supplies in case of sickness, in addition to the compensation above named, and that he will assist and encourage efforts for the education of the children of his employees. And it is further agreed by the said Charles S. Coutee, that in case he at any time fails to perform part of this agreement, he will pay to each of the said laborers the full sum of One Hundred & twenty dollars, as fixed, agreed and liquidated damages. 

In testimony whereof, they have herewith set their hands and seals, the day and year above written. 

SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED, IN PRESENCE OF 
J. V. W. Vandenburgh 
Chge of Intelligence Office 

Charles S. Coutee  [[image - Seal]] Robert X his mark Johnson  [[image - Seal]]
{L. S.} John X his mark Harris [[image - Seal]]
{L. S.} {L. S.}

Registered at Freedmans Intelligence Office, the first day of November, 1865.

Wm. F. Spurgin
Superintendent. 
R. F. and A. L. Dist of Columbia

(DUPLICATE.)

Transcription Notes:
Edited: completed transcription, there is an Acuasco County in Maryland, R.F. and A.L. = Refugees Freedmen and Abandoned Lands