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No 756

Articles of Agreement made and concluded this 8th day of March, 1866, between (2) two Freedmen  of Wash', County of Washington, [[strikethrough]]State of [[strikethrough]] Dist of Col', party of the first part, and Jos H. Childs, of Millersville, County of Anne Arundle, State Dist of Columbia, party of the second part.

The said (2) two Freedmen freed laborers, agree to enter the service of the said Jos H. Childs, as Farmers, and, also that they will faithfully and diligently apply themselves and perform the duties of Farmers, on the Premises of said Jos H. Childs, and answer all the reasonable requirements of the said Jos H. Childs, for, and during the space of One Year, from the 8th day of March,1866; 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 Jos H. Childs, hereby agrees to employ them (the said freed 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:

Sampson Thomas 9$ Nine Dollars
James Williams 9$ Nine Dollars

in equal monthly payments; and the said Jos H. Childs, 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 Jos H. Childs that in case he at any time fails to perform his part of this agreement, he will pay to each the said laborers the full sum of One Hundred dollars, as fixed, agreed and liquidated damages.

If it shall be mutually desirable to annul this contract before the expiration of the term agreed upon, it shall be done only in the presence and with the concurrence of such officer of the Freedman's Bureau, (or other authority) as may have immediate jurisdiction in this matter in the district wherein such parties reside.

In testimony whereof, they have herewith set their hands and seals, the day and year first above written. [[margin note 1]]

SIGNED, SEALED, AND DELIVERED, Jos H. Childs [L.S.] Sampson his X mark Thomas [L.S.]
  [L.S.] James his X mark Williams [L.S.]
  [L.S.]  [L.S.]
  [L.S.]  [L.S.]

IN PRESENCE OF
J.V.W. Vandenburgh

Registered at Intelligence Office, the 8th  day of March 1866.

J.V.W. Vandenburgh
Asst Local Superintendent.

[DUPLICATE.]

[[Margin Note 1: Ages 26 24]