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No 702

Articles of Agreement made and concluded this 10th day of march, 1866, between Nelson Willis and Elijah Gordan of Washington, County of Washington, [[strikethrough]] State [[strikethrough]] Dist. of Columbia, party of the first part, and Johns Eversfield, of Beltsville, County of Prince George, State of Maryland, party of the second part.

The said Nelson Willis and Elijah Gordon freed laborers, agree to enter the service of the said John Eversfield as Farmers, and, also that they will faithfully and diligently apply themselves and perform the duties of Farmers, on the Premises of said John Eversfield, and answer all the reasonable requirements of the said John Eversfield, for, and during the space of nine months, from the 10th 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 John Eversfield, hereby agrees to employ them (the said freed laborers) for the term of nine 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:

Nelson Willis (10$) Ten dollars
Elijah Gordon (10$) Ten dollars

in equal monthly payments; and the said John Eversfield, 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 John Eversfield 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 (75$) (75$) 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 above written.

SIGNED, SEALED, AND DELIVERED, John Eversfield
IN PRESENCE OF
E.W. Sylvester

[L.S.]
[L.S.]
[L.S.]
[L.S.]

Nelson Willis
Elijah Gordon

[L.S.]
[L.S.]
[L.S.]
[L.S.]

Registered at Intelligence Office, the 10th day of March 1866.

J.V.W. Vandenburgh
Asst Superintendent.

[DUPLICATE.]