Viewing page 48 of 344

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

No. 34

This agreement made this 27 day of June 1865 between  Joseph R Moseley of the County of Yazoo & State of Mississippi of the first part & the persons hereinafter named & undersigned freedmen of the same place parties of the second part, Witnesseth that for the purpose of cultivating the plantation of the party of the first part in the County & State aforesaid during the year commencing on the 1. day of June 1865 & terminating on the 1. day of January 1866. The party of the first part in consideration of the promises & conditions hereinafter mentioned on the part of the parties of the second part agrees to furnish to said laborers & those rightfully dependent on them free of charge clothing & food of good quality & sufficient quantity, good & sufficient quarters, medical attendance when necessary & kind & humane treatment, and it is further agreed that in case the said Moseley shall fail neglect or refuse to fulfil any of the obligations assumed by him or shall furnish said parties of the second part with insufficient food or clothing or be guilty of cruelty to them he shall besides the legal recourse left to the party or parties aggrieved render this contract liable to annulment by the Provost Marshal of Freedmen, and it is agreed on the part of the parties of the second part that they will each well & faithfully perform such labor as the said Moseley may require of them for the time aforesaid not exceeding ten hours per day in summer & nine hours in Winter & in every respect to be dutiful & faithful servants & in case any laborer shall voluntarily absent him or herself from or shall neglect or refuse to perform the labor herein promised & the fact shall be proven to the satisfaction of the proper officer the party so offending shall be punished in such manner as the Provost Marshal of Freedmen shall deem proper. In testimony whereof the parties have affixed their names to this agreement on the day & date aforesaid,

J.R. Moseley

Ellen  X her mark  Aged 35 years
Louisa  X her mark  Aged 34 years
Laura Ann  X her mark  Aged 21 years
Alice  X her mark  Aged 28 years

Executed in presence of 
Frank Goodsell
Jno. T. Heth