Viewing page 244 of 252

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

No. 441
Articles of Agreement made and concluded this 19th day of December, 1865, between Ned' Brown of Wash City, County of Washington, State of Dist Columbia, part of the first part and Francis P. Hamilton, of Port Tobacco, County of Charles, State of Maryland, party of the second part.

The said free laborers, agree to enter the service of the said Francis P. Hamilton as farm hands and also, that they will faithfully and diligently apply themselves and perform the duties of farmer, on the Premises, of said F.P. Hamilton, and answer all the reasonable requirements of the said F.P. Hamilton, for, and during the space of one year from the 19th day of December, 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 F.P. Hamilton, hereby agrees to employ them (the said free laborers) for the term of one year, 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, Ned. Brown  Board  Quarters and Clothes.

in equal monthly payments, and the said F.P. Hamilton, further agrees to furnish said freed laborers above named, quarters, fuel, full and 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 Francis P. Hamilton, that in case he at any time fails to perform his part of this agreement, he will pay to the said laborers the full sum of fifty dollars, as fixed, agreed and liquidated damages. 

In testimony whereof, they have herewith set their hands and seals, the day and year first above written. 
SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED,
IN PRESENCE OF 
J.V.W. Vandenburgh
Chge of Intelligence Office

F.T. Hamilton  {L.S} Ned, his X mark Brown  {L.S.} 
Wm T. Hindle  {L.S.} ________{L.S.}

Registered at Office of Local Supt D.C., the 19th day of December, 1865.

Wm F. Spurgin
Capt & Local Superintendent. 
Dist of Columbia

(DUPLICATE.)