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THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into this 1 day of Jan A.D., 1867 by and between Wm (Hardy?) of the first part and (Ruppert?)Gray a freeman of color, of the second part, all of the county of Noxubee in the State of Mississippi.

WITNESSETH, That the party of the first part has this day hired the said party of the second part as a farm hand for the year 1867 and agrees to pay Ruppert Eighteen dollars / month for said year's services due and payable the First Jan1867 subject to a deduction of $18.00 dollars per month for all time lost by him to furnish him with quarters. and bread and meat rations of wholesome quality, and a sufficiency in quantity. The payment herein provided for is to be raised out of the crop to be raised in the year 1867, for which purpose a first mortgage lien upon the same is hereby created and acknowledged. 

And the said party, for the second part, for and in consideration of the premises as above stated, herby agrees to and with the said party of the first part, that he will do good, faithful and full work for him in said County and State, under his directions and orders: That he will be faithful, respectful, and obedient: Will be satisfied with rations usually allowed laborers: That he will make deductions for all lost time at the rate of $18.00 dollars per month; pay his own doctor's bills, furnish his own clothes, shoes and hat, and in all respects make a good farm hand in making and gathering a crop and in any and all other work required of him And in the event he should leave the employment and services of the said party of the first part, without sufficient cause, before the end of the year 1867, that he thereby forfeits all that he had previously earned. In testimony of all which we do both sign in duplicate, this the day and year first, above written. 

Signed in my presence and approved by me this the (blank) day of (blank) A.D. 1867

Wm (Hardy?)
(Ruppert?) x Gray

(blank line) [L.S.]
Justice of the Peace

Transcription Notes:
More than 2 [[?]]. Small error in transcription: "And the said party, for the second part" should read "And the said party of the second part"