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[[image]] three U.S. INTER.REV. TWO CENTS stamps (Geo. Washington) with approval date written across [[/image]]

Articles of Agreement made and concluded this 8th day of January 1866 by and between J.W. & E. Roach of the first part and the undersigned [[strikethrough]] freedman [[/strikethrough]] freedmen of the second part, whereby it is agreed and covenanted as follows:

For and in consideration of the payments hereinafter agreed to be paid, the said [[strikethrough]] freedman agrees [[/strikethrough]] freedmen agree and [[strikethrough]] binds himself [[/strikethrough]] bind themselves to work as [[strikethrough]] a [[/strikethrough]] plantation laborers from [[strikethrough]] 1st [[/strikethrough]] 8th January 1866, to 1st January 1867, on the plantation of the said J.W. & E Roach in Yazoo County Mississippi. [[strikethrough]] He agrees [[/strikethrough]] They agree and [[strikethrough]] binds himself [[/strikethrough]] bind themselves to render to said party of the first part, during the period of one year, as before stated, respectful, obedient and faithful labor; from sun rise until sun set, each day under such plantation regulations as the party of the first part shall make, not inconsistent with the provisions of this contract or the rules and regulations of the freedman's bureau.

In consideration of the faithful performance of this contract by the [[strikethrough]] said [[/strikethrough]] undersigned [[strikethrough]] freedman [[strikethrough]] freedmen, party of the second part, the said J.W. & E. Roach party of the first part [[strikethrough]] offers [[/strikethrough]] offer and [[strikethrough]] binds  himself [[/strikethrough]] bind themselves to pay to said [[strikethrough]] freedman [[/strikethrough]] freedmen at the rate [[strikethrough]] of $ per month [[/strikethrough]] placed opposite their names with rations of 4 pounds of meat, 1 peck of meal, [[strikethrough]] 1 pint of molasses and [[/strikethrough]] 1/2 [[strikethrough]] pounds [[/strikethrough]] pound of salt per week. One fourth of said wages to be paid quarterly on 1st of April, 1st of July, 1st of October 1866, and the remainder on or before the 1st of January 1867. The said J. W. & E. Roach party of the first part, [[strikethrough]] agrees [[/strikethrough]] agree to furnish the said Freedmen party of the second part free of charge, during [[strikethrough]] his [[/strikethrough]] their continuance to labor, good and sufficient, quarters and fuel. They also [[strikethrough]] agrees [[/strikethrough]] agree to keep constantly on hand meat, meal, molasses and salt, which [[strikethrough]] he binds himself [[/strikethrough]] they bind themselves to furnish to said ____ [[strikethrough]] freedman [[/strikethrough]] freedmen, in such quantities as they may need for [[strikethrough]] his [[/strikethrough]] their own use, at [[strikethrough]] a price not exceeding the cost to the party of the first part [[/strikethrough]] The lowest cash prices. 

There shall be no labor required of said ____ [[strikethrough]] freedman [[/strikethrough]] freedmen from 12 M, Saturday until Monday morning, except the care of stock and other necessary labor. 

It is further agreed, that in case the party of the first part shall fail, neglect or refuse to comply with any of the obligations assumed to said [[blank]] [[strikethrough]] freedman [[/strikethrough]] freedmen, or shall be guilty of cruelty to [[strikethrough]] him [[/strikethrough]] them, this contract shall be considered liable to annulment in addition to legal remedies left to said [[strikethrough]] freedman [[/strikethrough]] freedmen. And in case the said ___ [[strikethrough]] freedman [[/strikethrough]] freedmen shall voluntarily absent [[strikethrough]] himself [[/strikethrough]] themselves from or shall neglect or refuse to perform the labor herein contracted for, the said J W & E Roach party of the first part shall have the right to discharge the said ____ [[strikethrough]] freedman [[/strikethrough]] freedmen party of the second part and the unpaid wages due the said party of the second part shall be forfeited to said party of the first part as damages for non-performance of contract on part of said party of the second part. 

Transcription Notes:
changed Elizabeth to E.Roach "Mississippi Freedmen's Bureau Records Style Sheet" says to insert the images as above. Link to this style sheet on General Instructions page.