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43
Agent

[[left margin]] The agreement is hereby [[?]] into that the cotton is to be awarded at the gin by 9 to be shipped to the same merchant
J.J. Allen J.P. [[/left margin]]

Agreement between W.D. Ruffin of the first part and the undersigned Freedmen of the second part, [[?]] that said W.D. Ruffin and finds himself to furnish land,[[?]] and implements necessary to cultivate section twenty and to pay said Freedmen one half the nett proceeds of the cotton and corn which they produce after deducting fifteen dollars for the [[?]] for services revealed as laborers according to his (Ruffins) directions. Witness my hand and seal this 1st Mar 1867.
                           W D Ruffins  Seal
                             Agent

We, the undersigned Freedmen agree and find ourselves to labor faithfully and industriously, performing all labor necessary for the making and saving of a crop, or pertaining to the welfare of the farms, according to the directions of said Ruffin & for wilful neglect of duty or disobedience said Ruffin shall have the right discharge him or her & he or she will forfeit all wages. We also agree to pay said Ruffin his or our portion of the crop, for all provisions, clothing, or [[?]] which he may advance to no.
Witness our hands & seals this 1st Mar. 1867

Witness       [[?]]
Bettica A.    [[strikethrough]][[?]][[/strikethrough]]  Seal       
Mary E Hbunt  Allen x Pasley          Seal
              Julia x Loyas           Seal
                  
              Richard x Patterson     Seal
              Absalom x House         Seal
              Rachel x Patterson      Seal
              Laura x Allen           Seal
              David x House           Seal
              Albert x House          Seal
              Coleman x House         Seal
              Caray x Luclien         Seal