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AGREEMENT WITH FREEDMEN
This Agreement, made this 1st day of June A.D,1865, by and between Henry Watkins of the County of Copiah and State of Mississippi, of the first part, and the persons hereinafter named and undersigned, Freed-men of the same place, parties hereto of the second part, 
Witnesseth, That fort the purpose of cultivating the plantation known as the Watkins plantation in the County aforesaid, during the year commencing on the 1st day of June A. D. 1865, and termination on the 1st day of January 1866. The said Henry Watkins party of the first part, in consideration of the promises and conditions hereinafter mentioned on the part of the parties of the second part, agrees to furnish to the said laborers and those rightfully dependent on them, free of charge, clothing and food of good  quality and sufficient quantity; good and sufficient quarters; medical attendance when necessary, and kind and humane treatment. 

I Henry Watkins of the first part obligate myself to furnish the party of the second part all of the above requirements

And it is further agreed, That in the case the said Henry Watkins shall fail, neglect, or refuse to fulfil any of the obligations assumed by him, or shall furnish said party 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 and faithfully perform such labor as the said Henry Watkins may require of them for the time aforesaid, not exceeding ten hours per day in summer and nine hours in winter, and in every respect be dutiful and faithful servants; and in case any laborer shall voluntarily absent themselves from, or shall neglect, or refuse to perform the labor herein promised, and 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 said parties have affixed their names to this Agreement at the Residence of Henry Watkins, State of Mississippi, on the day and date aforesaid. 

Lydia her x mark four children Rachael her x mark one child
Emaly her x mark five do
Violet her x mark four do
Milly her x mark two do
Executed in Presence of M.T. Conn P W Young