Viewing page 239 of 300

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

AGREEMENT WITH FREEDMEN.

This Agreement, made this fourth day of August, A.D. 1865, by and between William G. Jordan of the County of Lowndes, and State of Mississippi, of the first part, and the person hereinafter named and undersigned, Freedmen of the same place, part[[ies]] hereto of the second part George Jack Henry Willis Addison Esther Charlotte Eliza Miles Bell Ellick and Mariah Sam & Malinda

WITNESSETH, That for the purpose of cultivating the Plantation known as the William G. Jordan farm, in the County of Lowndes aforesaid, during the year commencing on the first day of March, A.D. 1865, and terminating on the 1st day of Januar, 1866. The said William G. Jordan, party of the first part, in consideration of the promises and conditions hereinafter mentioned on the part 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. And is hereby agreed that the party of the first part gives to the second part one fifth of all the corn, fodder, Potatoes, wheat and Molasses raised on the said farm for the year 1865.

And it is Further Agreed, That in case the said William G. Jordan shall fail, neglect or refuse to fulfil any of the obligations assumed by him, or shall furnish the part[[ies]] 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 part[[ies]] of the second part, that they will each well and faithfully perform such labor as the said William G. Jordan may require of them for the time aforesaid, not exceeding ten hours per day in the summer and nine hours in the winter ; and in case any laborers shall absent himself or herself from, or shall neglect or refuse to perform the labor herein promised, and the fact shall be proved to the satisfaction of the proper officer, the party so offending shall be punished in such manner as the Provost Marshal shall deem proper.

In Testimony Whereof, The said parties have affixed their names to this AGREEMEN at Columbus, State of Missississippi, on the day and date aforesaid.

[[4 columned table]]
| NAMES. | Age. | No. of Dependents | REMARKS. |
|---|---|---|---|
| George x | 45 |   |   |
| Jack x | 38 | 3 |   |
| Henry | 34 |   |   |
| Willis x | 17 |   |   |

[[note]]
Approved
E.P. Bennett
Apt Pro Mar Freedmen
[[/note]]