(RECONSTRUCTION) Labor contract for the services of Freedman

Sale 2503 - Lot 369

Price Realized: $ 938

?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price

Estimate: $ 400 - $ 600

(RECONSTRUCTION.) Labor contract for the services of Freedman Dred and family on an Alabama plantation. 2 manuscript pages, 9 3/4 x 7 1/2 inches, on one sheet, signed by employer M.J. Rivers and E.M. Portis as Assistant Superintendent of Freedmen; folds, minimal wear. Clarke County, AL, 8 January 1866

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A typical labor contract in accordance with the "Black Codes" that attempted to regulate labor and maintain an approximation of slavery in the former Confederate states. 'This shows that (freedman) Dred for himself, his wife Sylvester, and child Alfred agrees to do all reasonable work, or service, on or for the farm, or interest, or benefit of Mary Josephine Rivers and family during this year (respectfully obeying the orders of her or her agent), for and in consideration of ten dollars per month to be paid by said M. J. Rivers to said Dred at or by the end of this year.' The wife Sylvester was to be paid an additional $5.00 per month if she proved capable of field work, from which would be deducted medical expenses and "all lost time from slouth, sickness or otherwise, and all things furnished them not aforementioned." It was signed and approved by a Freemen's Bureau official on 3 April. "Freedman Dred" (no relation to the late Dred Scott) apparently later began using Dread as a surname. The 1870 census shows mulattos Henry and Sylvester Dread, aged 40 and 26, with two children in Coffeeville, Clarke County, AL.