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[[5 CENTS INTER REVENUE stamp affixed to page]]

No.

Articles of Agreement, made and concluded this 28th day of March 1867, between Hiram Fields (Freedman) of Washington City, County of Washington of D.C. party of the first part, and A.J. Smoot, of Newburgh, County of Charles, State of Maryland party of the second part.

The said Hiram Fields freed laborer, agrees to enter the service of the said A.J. Smoot as Farm-hand, and, also, that he will faithfully and diligently apply himself and perform the duties of Farm laborer, on the premises of said A.J. Smoot, for, and during the space of one year, from the twenty eighth day of March, 1867; and he further agree that his employer shall retain one-fourth his monthly wages until the expiration of his terms of service.

And the said A. J. Smoot hereby agrees to employ him (the said freed laborer) for the term of One Year as aforesaid, and to pay for his services the sum set opposite his respective name, per month — (one-fourth of which shall be retained each month,)and all stoppages and arrearages promptly paid at the expiration of [[blank]]  respective term of service, to wit: 

To Hiram Fields Seven ($7.) dollars per month

in equal monthly payments; and the said A.J. Smoot further agrees to furnish said freed laborer above named, quarters, fuel, full substantial and healthy rations, and all necessary medical attendance and supplies in ease 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, also, that he will make no charge for liquor furnished his employees. And it is further agreed by the said A.J. Smoot that in case he at any time fails to perform his part of this agreement, he will pay to the said laborer the full sum of Eighty ($84) four 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. 

Hiram his X mark Fields [L.S.]
Walt Marshall for A J Smoot [L.S.]
[L.S.]
[L.S.]
[L.S.]
[L.S.]
[L.S.]
[L.S.]

SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED IN PRESENCE OF 
D R Disbrow 
Employment Agent

Registered at Office Local Supt D.C., the 28th day of March 1867

J V W Vandenburgh
Asst Superintendent

[DUPLICATE.]