Viewing page 218 of 228

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

Freedmens Contracts.

Several of them have been compelled to hire themselves at a compensation not half sufficient, to sustain themselves, some by reason of actual want, and others by threats of enforcement of the Vagrant Act in case they were found idle after 15th January. The Average wages for an able bodied field hand is $6.00 per month, or one fourth of the crop made; to be divided among five laborers, and at that proportion when more than five hands are employed. These rates of compensation, have been adopted at a meeting of the Employers held in Dec. last. They appear determined not to pay any higher wages, beleiving that they can compel the Freedmen to accept of their rates. Should they refuse to do so, then the Freedmen is pronounced an idler and a vagrant. The result of such contracts will be that some of the Freedmen will be thrown upon this Bureau for assistance during the coming Summer at which time their present supply of provisions will be out, and their employers will not furnish any.

Transcription Notes:
---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-03-10 17:55:42