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NARA 1023

As  regards the stamp to make the Contract legal, the law says that "the Contracts must be in writing and the duplicate form; the parties to hold one copy and the Freedmen the other". So what more is necessary than for one to be stampped and the other to have Duplicate written on it. This we have taken the precaution to do; And our Lawyers sat it is all that is necessary. You see that our Contracts are as finding on the Employer as on the Employee -- no advantage taken of them(the Freedmen) and their interest studied and protected.
I hope Sir that I have explained the contract that you can fully understand what is meant by a "share" in the present growing crop; And, that two hands are only to get one hand's share; as they only get half of what they make and their Employers the other half!!
Respectfully
J.D. Hardy
Superintendent for
J.P. Tatum and Hm. Chambliss
P.S. I write this for the satisfaction of the Freedmen, and would be glad if you will favor me with a reply immediately as they are not content to labor under the circumstances.
J.D.H

Transcription Notes:
---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-06-21 21:10:06