SCARCE, ORIGINAL 1826 RENTAL CONTRACT FOR AN ENTIRE FAMILY OF VIRGINIA SLAVES. This amazing handwritten manuscript was executed on January 4th, 1826. Binding contract entered into between James and Abraham Fontaine and slave owner Samuel Dover Moses covered the rental of slaves, "Randy & Sally with their children." Postscript notations [dated March 27th, 1827], mark closure of contract with the sum [rental fee] of $71 being paid to Moses by the Fontaines. Tabulations are included as to how final figure was arrived at. Contract language is chillingly callous; referring to this black family as a simple commodity to be loaned out at will for any purpose: "$50 on or before the twenty fifth day of December next we James H. Fontaine & Abraham Fontaine promise to pay Samuel Dover Moses the just & full sum of fifty dollars it being for the hire of some negroes say Randal & Sally with their children, to be returned well clothed, for the true payment of which we bind ourselves our heirs etc in the final sum of one hundred dollars Lawful money of Virginia as witness our hands & seals this 4 day of January 1826...March the 27, 1827 Received this day in full of the above bond & demands of James H. Fontaine as witness my hand & seal...[on reverse] Received back by Negroes with their full portion of clothing as witness my hand & seal..." Two sided contract shows some light to moderate wear (see images), scattered light soiling, usual folds, generally clean throughout with ink remaining bold and legible. Item measures approx 6" x 7 1/2". $275.00 plus shipping |
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