Journal of freedom. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1865-186?, 1865-09-30
Contracts Between Planters and Freedmen
in Tennessee.

4 -ea1E-5-@ III 1CuMcooCOo
Col. Davis, ia-charge of the Freed
mems Bureau, at GAINESVILLE, Tenn, has
adopted rules, which will be found be-
low, regulating contracts between plan
tiers and freedmen in the department
under his jurisdiction. The rules are
binding and calculated to give the plant
or all the power over his employees that
he should have, if not more. Col. Davis
addressed the Freedmen as follows:
AS such a thing as hiring all the farm
hands has heretofore been unusual in this
State, it will manifestly be to the inter
est of both the black man and the white,
that a system of rules and regulations
be adopted, in order that each party may
know his duty and how to perform it +;
because, If each one should labor when
he or she pleases, without regard to the
condition of the crop, it is probable that
nothing would be made, and both parties
would be losers. It is always to the
benefit of society and governmentthat all
its members act in concert and harmony,
and work together for each others bene-
fit. By so doing the whole community
is enriched, the general ton of society is
elevated, ennobled and purified, aud the
better principles of our nature govern
our actions and direct our conduct
Heretofore, you, the blacks, have been
slaves, with.no responsibilities, and but
few cares. But now, as far as the whites
are concerned, you assume the duties of
freemen, and it will become you to begin
from this day to study in what manner
you may best serve your own interests.
To your employer, if he is just and kind
to you, be accommodating and obliging,
and so endeavor to discharge your part
of the contract, and to acquit yourself of
your duties, as to leave no cause for dis
satisfaction on his part. By thus doing
you will soon win a good name, and your
wages will be proportionably higher.
The following are the rules and regu-
~lations prescribed for farm hands:
/. One-half of the wages of. the en-
ployee will be retained by the employer,
until the end of the contract for its faith
full performance.
2. The employees will be required to
rise at daybreak, each one to feed and
take care of the stock allotted to him, or
perform any other business that may be
assigned, to him to eat their breakfast
and be ready for work at the signal,
which will be given when the sur is half
hour high. All time lost after the signal
is given will be deducted.
3. No general conversation will be al
lowed during working hours.
4. Bad work will be assessed at it's
proper value.
S.. For disobedience, one, dollar will
be- deducted.
6. Neglect of duty and leaving with
out permission will be considered disobe-
dience.
Z. No live stock will be permitted to
be raised by the employees, without. spe-
cial contract.
8. Apples, peaches and melons, or any
other product of the farm taken by the
employee, without the permission of the
employer, will be charged for.
8. The employee shall receive no visit
T~1~-:
10. Three quarters of an hour will be |.
allowed during the winter months for
dinner, and one hour and a half durin
the months of June, July and August.
IL. lmpudence, swearing, or indecent
and unseemly language to, or in the
presence OF the employer or his family,
or agent, or quarrelling or fighting, so
to disturb the peace Of the farm, will !
be fined one dollar for the first offence, =
and, if repeated, will be followed by dis
mlssal and loss of such pay as shall be :
adJudged against him by proper authori-
ty. !
II. All difficulties that may arise be- !
tween the employees shall be adjusted by l
the employer, and if not satisfactory, an :
appeal may be taken to an agent ofthe !.
US. Government or a magistrate. I
l3. All abuse of stock or willful break {
OF tools, or throwing away gear, &C., :
will be charged against the employee. !
IA. Good and sufficient rations will be .
furnished by the employer, not however, !
% exceed six pounds of bacon and one '
'eck OF meal per week for each adult. :
ID. House rent and fuel WILDE furnish !.
ID, free hyy the employer. j.
Is. No night work will be required of y
employees but such as the necessities :.
b farm absolutely demand-such as =
yylng !up, fodder, firing tobacco, setting .
rost, &c. y
II. A cheerful and willing perform !"
nee of duty will be required of the emil
Z
Is. Stock must be fed and attended to
n Sunday. G
10. The women will be required to do sa
ne cooking In rotation on Sunday. la
20. The employee will be expected to IN
after and afndv %ho srho.o : 20