Mar 21, 2013 - Sale 2308

Sale 2308 - Lot 112

Unsold
Estimate: $ 800 - $ 1,200
(SLAVERY AND ABOLITION--FREEDMAN'S ACT 1865.) 'S, Simkins Adm(inistrator) of Est(ate) of Wm H. Ware Paid the following Negroes for their services for seven & 1/2 months wages in the year 1865 on Plantation each of their account having been deducted also those on lot in town.' Folio sheet, written on one side and docketed 'Freedman's Act for 1865' on the reverse. Revenue stamp at bottom of the page. Np, January 1866

Additional Details

An accounting for forty field hands and five house servants. Unfortunately no location is given. The note that 'each one of their account having been deducted,' indicates that these ex-slaves were being charged for room and board. This was the manner in which plantation owners were able to avoid paying real wages, not an uncommon practice during Reconstruction.