Viewing page 85 of 274

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

Loachapoka Macon County Alabama
March 5th 1866.

Genl Swayne; Montgomery;

Dear Sir

As cases of vital importance both to the Freedmen and the employers of the same are frequently transpiring throughout the country and our case in particular has lately passed my notice and being familiar with all the facts in the case I write you this for information not only for my satisfaction but for the country at large, and the Freedman also. I will at once proceed to make  mention of the points [[strikethrough]]at once[[/strikethrough]] in The cases I desire information on.  Is there any law in the State of Ala to make Freedman or any body else who have made written contracts and Signed by two witnesses, and them the Freedman to leave or absent themselves without notice from the service of their employers to force them back to the service of their employers? and an other question. Has there been any Orders issued from The Freedman's Beauro causeing there to be letter with a warrant and carried before Civil Authorities and tried for vagrancy, for violating a contract (by leaving the service of their employer)? You might with propriety ask or say The Cause for leaving or absenting themselves none I hear to be taken into consideration. You will confer a favor upon me and this country Generally if you will furnish the information desired write to me as soon as possible as the law and orders too if any are needed. I will now proceed to state to you what has just transpired and want you to give me all the law and orders in this case if any, Two Freedmen (which was the Heads of the family) made a contract with M. Sigoud before two witnesses during the 1st days of January. The no of freedmen inn the family was four person hands two fellows & two women and two girls, the youngest 10 yrs of age and the other 12 yrs making 6 in all. The conditions of the Contract were as follows.

M. the employer agrees to furnish to the freedmen food & clothing

Transcription Notes:
2-22-2021: Transcribed per guidelines and marking for review