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This memorandum of agreement entered into between Mrs. John M. Witherspoon & Miss Mary Witherspoon both of Lowndes Co & state of Miss- of the first part & George- Billy & other Freedmen & women of the second part of the same County & State- Witnesseth that the party of the first part wish to cultivate their plantation some ten miles South of Columbus Miss have engaged the services of the freedmen & women whose names are signed to this contract & upon the following terms & conditions. Now it is agreed that the party of the first part furnish houses for the party of second part to live in during the year 1866- & to furnish sufficient rations of meat used in the smoke-house & also the milk of the cows as formerly. The party of the first part is to furnish corn & fodder to sustain all the mules horses cattle & hogs during the year & the party of the first part is to furnish meal in sufficient quantities to the operatives & also any vegetables that may be produced on the place- The party of the first part furnishes wagons, farming utensils & other implements necessary to cultivate the place. & the party of the second part do hereby obligate themselves to remain & work faithfully the number of hours usual on well conducted farms- & to behave as good citizens- to obey the rules & regulations of the plantation & all orders of the superintendent hereinafter named- to pay all their

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Approved Jan 9th 1866
S. D Barnes
Lieut. Sub Com'r Freed Bureau
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