Document:

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

     THIS AGREEMENT is made as of the 9th day of October, 2002, by and among
FREEDOM BANCSHARES, INC., a bank holding company incorporated under the laws of
the State of Georgia (the "Company"); FREEDOM BANK OF GEORGIA, (In
Organization), a proposed state bank being organized under the laws of the State
of Georgia (the "Bank") (collectively, the Company and the Bank are referred to
hereinafter as the "Employer"); and JAMES S. PURCELL, a resident of the State of
Georgia (the "Executive").

                                    RECITALS:

     The Employer desires to employ the Executive as Executive Vice President of
the Company and the Bank and Chief Lending Officer of the Bank and the Executive
desires to accept such employment.

     In consideration of the above premises and the mutual agreements
hereinafter set forth, the parties hereby agree as follows:

1.     DEFINITIONS.  Whenever used in this Agreement, the following terms and
       -----------
their variant forms shall have the meaning set forth below:

     1.1   "AGREEMENT" shall mean this Agreement and any exhibits incorporated
            ---------
herein together with any amendments hereto made in the manner described in this
Agreement.

     1.2   "AREA"  shall mean the geographic area within the boundaries of
            ----
Jackson County, Georgia. It is the express intent of the parties that the Area
as defined herein is the area where the Executive performs services on behalf of
the Employer under this Agreement as of the Effective Date.

     1.3   "BEGINNING DATE"  shall mean October 9, 2002.
            --------------

     1.4   "BUSINESS OF THE EMPLOYER" shall mean the business conducted by the
            ------------------------
Employer, which is the business of commercial banking.

     1.5   "CAUSE"  shall mean:
            -----

          1.5.1   With respect to termination by the Employer:

               (a) A material breach of the terms of this Agreement by the
          Executive, including, without limitation, failure by the Executive to
          perform his duties and responsibilities in the manner and to the
          extent required under this Agreement, which remains uncured after the
          expiration of thirty (30) days following the delivery of written
          notice of such breach to the Executive by the Employer. Such notice
          shall (i) specifically identify the duties that the Chief Executive
          Officer of the Company or the Bank believes the Executive has failed
          to perform and (ii) state the facts upon which such determination is
          made;

<PAGE>
               (b) Conduct by the Executive that amounts to fraud, dishonesty,
          disloyalty or willful misconduct in the performance of his duties and
          responsibilities hereunder;

               (c) Arrest for, charged in relation to (by criminal information,
          indictment or otherwise), or conviction of the Executive during the
          Term of a crime involving breach of trust or moral turpitude or any
          felony;

               (d) Conduct by the Executive that amounts to gross and willful
          insubordination or inattention to his duties and responsibilities
          hereunder; or

               (e) Conduct by the Executive that results in removal from his
          position as an officer or executive of the Employer pursuant to a
          written order by any regulatory agency with authority or jurisdiction
          over the Employer.

          1.5.2   With respect to termination by the Executive, a material
     diminution in the powers, responsibilities or duties of the Executive
     hereunder or a material breach of the terms of this Agreement by the
     Employer, which remains uncured after the expiration of thirty (30) days
     following the delivery of written notice of such breach to the Employer by
     the Executive.

     1.6   "CHANGE OF CONTROL"  means any one of the following events:
            -----------------

          (a) the acquisition by any person or persons acting in concert of the
     then outstanding voting securities of either the Company or the Bank if,
     after the transaction, the acquiring person or persons owns controls or
     holds the power to vote fifty percent (50%) or more of any class of voting
     securities of the Company or the Bank;

          (b) within any twelve-month period (beginning on or after the
     Effective Date), the persons who were directors of either the Company or
     the Bank immediately before the beginning of such twelve-month period (the
     "Incumbent Directors") shall cease to constitute at least a majority of
     such Board of Directors; provided that any director who was not a director
     as of the beginning of such twelve-month period shall be deemed to be an
     Incumbent Director if that director were elected to such Board of Directors
     by, or on the recommendation of or with the approval of, at least
     two-thirds of the directors who then qualified as Incumbent Directors; and
     provided further that no director whose initial assumption of office is in
     connection with an actual or threatened election contest relating to the
     election of directors shall be deemed to be an Incumbent Director;

          (c) a reorganization, merger, share exchange combination or
     consolidation, with respect to which persons who were the stockholders of
     either the Company or the Bank immediately prior to such reorganization,
     merger, share exchange combination or consolidation do not, immediately
     thereafter, own more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power
     entitled to vote in the election of directors of the reorganized, merged,
     combined or consolidated company's then outstanding voting securities; or

                                        2
<PAGE>
          (d) the sale, transfer or assignment of all or substantially all of
     the assets of the Company or the Bank to any third party.

     1.7   "CONFIDENTIAL  INFORMATION"  means data and information relating to
            -------------------------
the business of the Employer (which does not rise to the status of a Trade
Secret) which is or has been disclosed to the Executive or of which the
Executive became aware as a consequence of or through the Executive's
relationship to the Employer and which has value to the Employer and is not
generally known to its competitors. Confidential Information shall not include
any data or information that has been voluntarily disclosed to the public by the
Employer (except where such public disclosure has been made by the Executive
without authorization) or that has been independently developed and disclosed by
others, or that otherwise enters the public domain through lawful means.

     1.8   "DISABILITY"  shall mean the inability of the Executive to perform
            ----------
each of his material duties under this Agreement for the duration of the
short-term disability period under the Employer's policy then in effect as
certified by a physician chosen by the Employer and reasonably acceptable to the
Executive.

     1.9   "EFFECTIVE DATE"  shall mean the date the Bank opens for business.
            --------------

     1.10   "EMPLOYER  INFORMATION"  means  Confidential Information and Trade
             ---------------------
Secrets.

     1.11   "INITIAL TERM"  shall mean that period of time commencing on the
             ------------
Beginning Date and running until the earlier of the close of business on the
last business day immediately preceding the third anniversary of the Beginning
Date or any earlier termination of employment of the Executive under this
Agreement as provided for in Section 3.

     1.12   "TERM"  shall  mean  the  Initial  Term and all subsequent renewal
             ----
periods.

     1.13   "TRADE  SECRETS"  means Employer information including, but not
             --------------
limited to, technical or nontechnical data, formulas, patterns, compilations,
programs, devices, methods, techniques, drawings, processes, financial data,
financial plans, product plans or lists of actual or potential customers or
suppliers which:

          (a) derives economic value, actual or potential, from not being
     generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by,
     other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use; and

          (b) is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the
     circumstances to maintain its secrecy.

2.   DUTIES.
     ------

     2.1   POSITION.  The Executive is employed as Executive Vice President of
           --------
the Company and the Bank and Chief Lending Officer of the Bank and, subject to
the direction of the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Bank, shall
perform and discharge well and faithfully the duties which may be assigned to

                                        3
<PAGE>
him from time to time by such Chief Executive Officer in connection with the
conduct of the Employer's business. The duties and responsibilities of the
Executive are set forth on Exhibit "A" attached hereto.
                           ----------

     2.2   FULL-TIME STATUS.  In addition to the duties and responsibilities
           ----------------
specifically assigned to the Executive pursuant to Section 2.1 hereof, the
Executive shall:

          (a) devote substantially all of his time, energy and skill during
     regular business hours to the performance of the duties of his employment
     (reasonable vacations and reasonable absences due to illness excepted) and
     faithfully and industriously perform such duties;

          (b) diligently follow and implement all reasonable and lawful
     financial policies and decisions communicated to him by the Chief Executive
     Officer of the Company and the Bank; and

          (c) timely prepare and forward to the Chief Executive Officer of the
     Company and the Bank all reports and accountings as may be requested of the
     Executive.

     2.3     PERMITTED  ACTIVITIES.  The Executive shall devote his entire
             ---------------------
business time, attention and energies to the Business of the Employer and shall
not during the Term be engaged (whether or not during normal business hours) in
any other business or professional activity, whether or not such activity is
pursued for gain, profit or other pecuniary advantage; but this shall not be
construed as preventing the Executive from:

          (a) investing his personal assets in businesses which (subject to
     clause (b) below) are not in competition with the Business of the Employer
     and which will not require any services on the part of the Executive in
     their operation or affairs and in which his participation is solely that of
     an investor;

          (b) purchasing securities in any corporation, the securities of which
     are regularly traded provided that such purchase shall not result in him
     collectively owning beneficially at any time five percent (5%) or more of
     the equity securities of any business in competition with the Business of
     the Employer; and

          (c) participating in civic and professional affairs and organizations
     and conferences, preparing or publishing papers or books or teaching so
     long as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company or the Bank approves in
     writing of such activities prior to the Executive's engaging in them.

3.    TERM  AND  TERMINATION.
      ----------------------

     3.1   TERM.   This Agreement shall remain in effect for the Initial
           ----
Term. At the end of the Initial Term and at the end of each twelve-month
extension thereof, this Agreement shall automatically be renewed for a
successive twelve-month period unless either party gives written notice to the
other of its or his intent not to renew this Agreement with such written notice

                                        4
<PAGE>
to be given not less than sixty (60) days prior to the end of the Initial Term
or such twelve-month period. In the event such notice of non-renewal is properly
given, this Agreement shall terminate at the end of the remaining term then in
effect.

     3.2   TERMINATION.  During the Term, the employment of the Executive
           -----------
under this Agreement may be terminated only as follows:

          3.2.1     By  the  Employer:

               (a) In the event that the Bank fails to receive its regulatory
          charter, or the Company fails to raise the necessary capital required
          to open the Bank, and should the Company's or the Bank's Board of
          Directors decide to forgo future efforts to open the Bank, in which
          event the Employer shall be required to continue to meet its
          obligation to the Executive under Section 4.1 for six (6) months
          following the effective date of termination;

               (b) For Cause, upon written notice to the Executive pursuant to
          Section 1.5.1 hereof, in which event the Employer shall have no
          further obligation to the Executive except for the payment of any
          amounts due and owing under Section 4 on the effective date of
          termination;

               (c) Without Cause at any time, provided that the Employer shall
          give the Executive thirty (30) days' prior written notice of its
          intent to terminate, in which event the Employer shall be required to
          continue to meet its obligations to the Executive under Section 4.1
          for the greater of (i) the remainder of the Term or (ii) six (6)
          months following the effective date of termination; or

               (d) Upon the Disability of the Executive at any time, provided
          that the Employer shall give the Executive thirty (30) days' prior
          written notice of its intent to terminate, in which event, for six (6)
          months following the effective date of termination or until the
          Executive begins receiving payments under the long-term disability
          policy maintained for the employees of the Company and/or the Bank ,
          if any, whichever occurs first, the Employer shall be required to
          continue to meet its obligations under Sections 4.1.

          3.2.2     By  the  Executive:

               (a) For Cause, upon written notice to the Employer pursuant to
          Section 1.5.2 hereof, in which event the Employer shall be required to
          continue to meet its obligations to the Executive under Section 4.1
          for the greater of (i) the remainder of the Term or (ii) six (6)
          months following the effective date of termination; or

               (b) Without Cause, provided that the Executive shall give the
          Employer sixty (60) days' prior written notice of his intent to
          terminate, in which event the Employer shall have no further
          obligation to the Executive except for payment of any amounts due and
          owing under Section 4 on the effective date of the termination.

                                        5
<PAGE>
               3.2.3 At any time upon mutual, written agreement of the parties,
          in which event the Employer shall have no further obligation to the
          Executive except for payment of amounts due and owing under Section 4
          on the effective date of termination.

               3.2.4 Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary,
          the Term shall end automatically upon the Executive's death, in which
          event the Employer shall have no further obligation to the Executive's
          estate except for payment of amounts due and owing under Section 4 on
          the date of the Executive's death.

     3.3   CHANGE OF CONTROL.  If, within six (6) months following a Change in
           -----------------
Control, the Executive terminates his employment with the Employer under this
Agreement for Cause or the Employer terminates Executive's employment without
Cause, the Executive, or in the event of his subsequent death, his designated
beneficiaries or his estate, as the case may be, shall receive, as liquidated
damages, in lieu of all other claims, a lump sum severance payment equal to the
amount of the Executive's current Base Salary that would be payable over a
period equal to the greater of (i) the remainder of the Term or (ii) six (6)
months following the effective date of termination, to be paid in full on the
last day of the month following the effective date of termination. In no event
shall the payment(s) described in this Section 3.3 exceed the amount permitted
by Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended (the "Code").
Therefore, if the aggregate present value (determined as of the date of the
Change of Control in accordance with the provisions of Section 280G of the Code)
of both the severance payment and all other payments to the Executive in the
nature of compensation which are contingent on a change in ownership or
effective control of the Company or the Bank or in the ownership of a
substantial portion of the assets of the Company or the Bank (the "Aggregate
Severance") would result in a "parachute payment," as defined under Section 280G
of the Code, then the Aggregate Severance shall not be greater than an amount
equal to 2.99 multiplied by Executive's "base amount" for the "base period," as
those terms are defined under Section 280G of the Code. In the event the
Aggregate Severance is required to be reduced pursuant to this Section 3.3, the
Executive shall be entitled to determine which portions of the Aggregate
Severance are to be reduced so that the Aggregate Severance satisfies the limit
set forth in the preceding sentence. Notwithstanding any provision in this
Agreement, if the Executive may exercise his right to terminate employment under
this Section 3.3 or under Section 3.2.2(a), the Executive may choose which
provision shall be applicable.

     3.4   EFFECT  OF  TERMINATION.  Upon termination of the Executive's
           -----------------------
employment hereunder for any reason, the Employer shall have no further
obligations to the Executive or the Executive's estate with respect to this
Agreement, except for the payment of any amounts accrued or otherwise due and
owing under Section 4 hereof and unpaid as of the effective date of the
termination of employment and payments set forth in Sections 3.2.1(a), (c) and
(d), Section 3.2.2(a), or Section 3.3 as applicable.

4.     COMPENSATION.  The  Executive  shall  receive  the  following  salary and
       ------------
benefits during the Term, except as otherwise provided below:

                                        6
<PAGE>
     4.1   BASE  SALARY.  The Executive shall be compensated at an annual base
           ------------
rate of $110,000 (the "Base Salary"). The obligation for payment of Base Salary
shall be apportioned between the Company and the Bank as they may agree from
time to time in their sole discretion. The Executive's Base Salary shall be
reviewed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Bank at least
annually, and the Executive shall be entitled to receive annually an increase in
such amount, if any, as may be determined jointly by the Chief Executive Officer
and the Board of Directors of the Company and the Bank based on their respective
evaluations of the Executive's performance. Base Salary shall be payable in
accordance with the Employer's normal payroll practices.

     4.2   INCENTIVE COMPENSATION.  The Executive shall be eligible to receive
           ----------------------
annual bonus compensation (the "Annual Bonus") in an amount equal to up to fifty
percent (50%) of the Executive's Base Salary, which amount shall be determined
based on performance goals established by the Board of Directors of the Company
and the Bank; provided, however, that the Executive shall only be entitled to an
Annual Bonus if the Bank has a CAMELS rating of 1 or 2 for the year to which the
Annual Bonus relates. Any Annual Bonus will be payable within ninety (90) days
following the last day of the calendar year for which such Annual Bonus is
earned.

     4.3   STOCK OPTIONS.  As soon as practicable after the date hereof, the
           -------------
Company will establish a stock incentive plan and will grant to the Executive an
incentive stock option to purchase 20,000 shares of the Company's common stock
at an exercise price of $10.00 per share. The option will be issued by the
Company pursuant to the Company's stock incentive plan and subject to the terms
of a related stock option agreement. The option will vest according to the
vesting schedule set forth in the applicable stock option agreement. Upon a
Change of Control, the option will become fully vested and exercisable, subject
to restrictions as may be imposed by the Bank's primary regulator. The option
shall expire generally upon the earliest of (i) three (3) months following the
Executive's termination of employment; (ii) one (1) year following the
Executive's termination of employment due to death or disability; or (iii) the
tenth anniversary of the option grant date.

     4.4   AUTOMOBILE.  The Employer will provide the Executive with a monthly
           ----------
automobile allowance equal to $650 per month.

     4.5   BUSINESS EXPENSES; MEMBERSHIPS.  The Employer specifically agrees
           ------------------------------
to reimburse the Executive for:

          (a) reasonable and necessary business expenses (including travel)
     incurred by him in the performance of his duties as approved by the Chief
     Executive Officer of the Company and/or the Bank; and

          (b) the reasonable dues and business related expenditures associated
     with membership in trade and professional associations, as are mutually
     agreed upon by the Executive and the Employer, which are commensurate with
     the Executive's position;

                                        7
<PAGE>
provided, however, that the Executive shall, as a condition of any
reimbursement, submit verification of the nature and amount of such expenses in
accordance with reimbursement policies from time to time adopted by the Employer
and in sufficient detail to comply with rules and regulations promulgated by the
Internal Revenue Service.

     4.6   VACATION.  On a non-cumulative basis, the Executive shall be
            --------
entitled to three (3) weeks of vacation in each successive twelve-month period
during the Term, during which his compensation shall be paid in full.

     4.7   ATHLETIC  CONTRIBUTIONS.  The Employer specifically agrees to
           -----------------------
reimburse the Executive in an amount not to exceed $6,500 for contributions to
the University of Georgia athletic association and for the cost of tickets to
athletic events. As a condition to reimbursement pursuant to this Section, the
Executive shall submit verification of the nature and amount of such expenses in
accordance with reimbursement policies from time to time adopted by the Employer
and in sufficient detail to comply with rules and regulations promulgated by the
Internal Revenue Service. The Executive acknowledges that the Employer has made
no representations concerning the taxability or nontaxability of any of the
reimbursements contemplated by this Section 4.7.

     4.8   BENEFITS.  In addition to  the benefits specifically described in
           --------
this Agreement, the Executive shall be entitled to such benefits as may be
available from time to time to executives of the Employer similarly situated to
the Executive. All such benefits shall be awarded and administered in accordance
with the Employer's standard policies and practices. Such benefits may include,
by way of example only, profit-sharing and retirement plans, dental, health,
life and disability insurance benefits, sick leave and such other benefits as
the Employer deems appropriate.

     4.9   WITHHOLDING.  The Employer may deduct from each payment of
           -----------
compensation hereunder all amounts required to be deducted and withheld in
accordance with applicable federal and state income tax, FICA and other
withholding requirements.

5.     EMPLOYER INFORMATION.
       --------------------

     5.1   OWNERSHIP OF EMPLOYER INFORMATION.  All Employer Information
           ---------------------------------
received or developed by the Executive while employed by the Employer will
remain the sole and exclusive property of the Employer.

     5.2   OBLIGATIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE.  The Executive agrees:
           ----------------------------

          (a) to hold Employer Information in strictest confidence;

          (b) not to use, duplicate, reproduce, distribute, disclose or
     otherwise disseminate Employer Information or any physical embodiments of
     Employer Information; and

                                        8
<PAGE>
          (c) in any event, not to take any action causing or fail to take any
     action necessary in order to prevent any Employer Information from losing
     its character or ceasing to qualify as Confidential Information or a Trade
     Secret.

In the event that the Executive is required by law to disclose any Employer
Information, the Executive will not make such disclosure unless (and then only
to the extent that) the Executive has been advised by independent legal counsel
that such disclosure is required by law and then only after prior written notice
is given to the Employer when the Executive becomes aware that such disclosure
has been requested and is required by law. This Section 5 shall survive for a
period of two (2) years following termination of this Agreement for any reason
with respect to Confidential Information, and shall survive termination of this
Agreement for any reason for so long as is permitted by applicable law, with
respect to Trade Secrets.

     5.3   DELIVERY UPON REQUEST OR TERMINATION.  Upon request by the
           ------------------------------------
Employer, and in any event upon termination of his employment with the Employer,
the Executive will promptly deliver to the Employer all property belonging to
the Employer, including, without limitation, all Employer Information then in
his possession or control.

6.     NON-COMPETITION.  The  Executive agrees that during his employment by the
       ---------------
Employer hereunder and, in the event of his termination:

     -    by the Employer for Cause pursuant to Section 3.2.1(b),
     -    by the Employer without Cause pursuant to Section 3.2.1(c),
     -    by the Executive for Cause pursuant to Section 3.2.2(a),
     -    by the Executive without Cause pursuant to Section 3.2.2(b), or
     -    by  the  Executive  in connection with a Change of Control pursuant to
          Section  3.3

for a period of twelve (12) months thereafter, he will not (except on behalf of
or with the prior written consent of the Employer), within the Area, either
directly or indirectly, on his own behalf or in the service or on behalf of
others, as an executive employee or in any other capacity which involves duties
and responsibilities similar to those undertaken for the Employer (including as
an organizer, director or proposed executive officer of a new financial
institution), engage in any business which is the same as or essentially the
same as the Business of the Employer.

7.     NON-SOLICITATION OF CUSTOMERS.  The Executive agrees that during his
       -----------------------------
employment by the Employer hereunder and, in the event of his termination:

     -    by the Employer for Cause pursuant to Section 3.2.1(b),
     -    by the Employer without Cause pursuant to Section 3.2.1(c),
     -    by the Executive for Cause pursuant to Section 3.2.2(a),
     -    by the Executive without Cause pursuant to Section 3.2.2(b), or
     -    by  the  Executive  in connection with a Change of Control pursuant to
          Section  3.3

for a period of twelve (12) months thereafter, he will not (except on behalf of
or with the prior written consent of the Employer), within the Area, on his own
behalf or in the service or on behalf of others, solicit, divert or appropriate
or attempt to solicit, divert or appropriate, any business from any of the

                                        9
<PAGE>
Employer's customers, including prospective customers actively sought by the
Employer, with whom the Executive has or had material contact during the last
two (2) years of his employment, for purposes of providing products or services
that are competitive with those provided by the Employer.

8.     NON-SOLICITATION  OF  EMPLOYEES.  The Executive agrees that during his
       -------------------------------
employment by the Employer hereunder and, in the event of his termination:

     -    by the Employer for Cause pursuant to Section 3.2.1(b),
     -    by the Employer without Cause pursuant to Section 3.2.1(c),
     -    by the Executive for Cause pursuant to Section 3.2.2(a),
     -    by the Executive without Cause pursuant to Section 3.2.2(b), or
     -    by the Executive in connection with a Change of Control pursuant to
          Section 3.3

for a period of twelve (12) months thereafter, he will not, within the Area, on
his own behalf or in the service or on behalf of others, solicit, recruit or
hire away or attempt to solicit, recruit or hire away, any employee of the
Employer, whether or not:

     -    such employee is a full-time employee or a temporary employee of the
          Employer,
     -    such employment is pursuant to written agreement, or
     -    such employment is for a determined period or is at will.

9.     REMEDIES.  The  Executive agrees that the covenants contained in Sections
       --------
5 through 8 of this Agreement are of the essence of this Agreement; that each of
the covenants is reasonable and necessary to protect the business, interests and
properties of the Employer, and that irreparable loss and damage will be
suffered by the Employer should he breach any of the covenants. Therefore, the
Executive agrees and consents that, in addition to all the remedies provided by
law or in equity, the Employer shall be entitled to a temporary restraining
order and temporary and permanent injunctions to prevent a breach or
contemplated breach of any of the covenants. The Employer and the Executive
agree that all remedies available to the Employer or the Executive, as
applicable, shall be cumulative.

10.     SEVERABILITY.  The parties agree that each of the provisions included in
        ------------
this Agreement is separate, distinct and severable from the other provisions of
this Agreement and that the invalidity or unenforceability of any Agreement
provision shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision
of this Agreement. Further, if any provision of this Agreement is ruled invalid
or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction because of a conflict
between the provision and any applicable law or public policy, the provision
shall be redrawn to make the provision consistent with, and valid and
enforceable under, the law or public policy.

11.     NO SET-OFF BY THE EXECUTIVE.  The existence of any claim, demand, action
        ---------------------------
or cause of action by the Executive against the Employer whether predicated upon
this Agreement or otherwise, shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement
by the Employer of any of its rights hereunder.

                                       10
<PAGE>
12.     NOTICE.  All notices and other communications  required or permitted
        ------
under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or, if
mailed, shall be sent via the United States Postal Service, certified mail,
return receipt requested or by overnight courier. All notices hereunder may be
delivered by hand or overnight courier, in which event the notice shall be
deemed effective when delivered. All notices and other communications under this
Agreement shall be given to the parties hereto at the following addresses:

               (i)    If to the Company, to it at:

                      Freedom  Bancshares,  Inc.
                      244  John  B.  Brooks  Rd.
                      Pendagrass,  GA  30567

               (ii)   If to the Bank, to it at:

                      Freedom  Bank  of  Georgia
                      244  John  B.  Brooks  Rd.
                      Pendagrass,  GA  30567

               (iii)  If to the Executive, to him at:

                      James  S.  Purcell
                      480 Dogwood Trail
                      Commerce, GA 30529

Any party hereto may change his or its address by advising the others, in
writing, of such change of address.

13.     ASSIGNMENT.  Neither  party hereto may assign or delegate this Agreement
        ----------
or any of its rights and obligations hereunder without the written consent of
the other party to this Agreement.

14.     WAIVER.  A  waiver  by one party to this Agreement of any breach of this
        ------
Agreement by the other party to this Agreement shall not be effective unless in
writing, and no waiver shall operate or be construed as a waiver of the same or
another breach on a subsequent occasion.

15.     ARBITRATION.  Any  controversy  or  claim  arising out of or relating to
        -----------
this contract, or the breach thereof, shall be settled by binding arbitration in
accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration
Association. Judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered
only in a state court of Jackson County or the federal court for the Northern
District of Georgia. The Employer and the Executive agree to share equally the
fees and expenses associated with the arbitration proceedings. EXECUTIVE MUST
INITIAL HERE:  /s/JP  .
              -------

16.     ATTORNEYS'  FEES.  In the event that the parties have complied with this
        ----------------
Agreement with respect to arbitration of disputes and litigation ensues between
the parties concerning the enforcement of an arbitration award, the party
prevailing in such litigation shall be entitled to receive from the other party

                                       11
<PAGE>
all reasonable costs and expenses, including without limitation attorneys' fees,
incurred by the prevailing party in connection with such litigation, and the
other party shall pay such costs and expenses to the prevailing party promptly
upon demand by the prevailing party.

17.     APPLICABLE  LAW.  This  Agreement  shall be construed and enforced under
        ---------------
and in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia.

18.     INTERPRETATION.  Words  importing any gender include all genders.  Words
        --------------
importing the singular form shall include the plural and vice versa. The terms
"herein", "hereunder", "hereby", "hereto", "hereof" and any similar terms refer
to this Agreement. Any captions, titles or headings preceding the text of any
article, section or subsection herein are solely for convenience of reference
and shall not constitute part of this Agreement or affect its meaning,
construction or effect.

19.     ENTIRE  AGREEMENT.  This  Agreement  embodies  the  entire  and  final
        -----------------
agreement of the parties on the subject matter stated in this Agreement. No
amendment or modification of this Agreement shall be valid or binding upon the
Employer or the Executive unless made in writing and signed by both parties. All
prior understandings and agreements relating to the subject matter of this
Agreement are hereby expressly terminated.

20.     RIGHTS  OF  THIRD  PARTIES.  Nothing  herein expressed is intended to or
        --------------------------
shall be construed to confer upon or give to any person, firm or other entity,
other than the parties hereto and their permitted assigns, any rights or
remedies under or by reason of this Agreement.

21.     SURVIVAL.  The  obligations  of the Executive pursuant to Sections 5, 6,
        --------
7, 8 and 9 shall survive the termination of the employment of the Executive
hereunder for the period designated under each of those respective sections.

22.     JOINT  AND  SEVERAL.  The obligations of the Company and the Bank to the
        -------------------
Executive hereunder shall be joint and several.

                  [Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

                                       12
<PAGE>
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Employer and the Executive have executed and
delivered this Agreement as of the date first shown above.

                                          FREEDOM  BANCSHARES,  INC.

                                          By:         /s/  Thomas  H.  Hardy
                                                 -------------------------------
                                                 Signature

                                                      Thomas  H.  Hardy
                                                 -------------------------------
                                                 Print  Name

Attest:    /s/ Richard S. Adams, Sr.                  Chairman
       -------------------------------           -------------------------------
       R.S. (Steve) Adams                        Title

                                          FREEDOM  BANK  OF  GEORGIA

                                          By:         /s/  Thomas  H.  Hardy
                                                 ----------------------
                                                 Signature

                                                      Thomas  H.  Hardy
                                                 -------------------------------
                                                 Print  Name

Attest:    /s/ Richard S. Adams, Sr.                  Chairman
       -------------------------------           -------------------------------
       R.S. (Steve) Adams                        Title

                                                 /s/James Purcell
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          JAMES PURCELL

                                          Date:  12-9-02
                                               ---------------------------------

                                       13
<PAGE>
                                   EXHIBIT "A"
                                   -----------

                              POSITION DESCRIPTION

                           EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT -
                              CHIEF LENDING OFFICER

Function:
--------

The Executive Vice President - Chief Lending Officer has overall responsibility
for originating the commercial (including SBA), real estate and consumer loan
portfolios of the Bank. The Executive Vice President - Chief Lending Officer
recommends to the Loan Committee and the Board of Directors of the Bank,
commercial, real estate and consumer loan objectives, credit policies and
practices and provides advice and guidance to consumer lenders.

Specific  Duties:
----------------

1)   Originates and approves commercial, real estate and consumer loans within
     the approved lending limits and guidelines established by the Board of
     Directors of the Bank. Submits loans exceeding lending limits to the Loan
     Committee for approval.

2)   Along with the President - is responsible for establishing and maintaining
     loan policies paying particular attention to under-writing guidelines, loan
     administration policies, credit information and collection procedures.

3)   Recommends additional loan loss provisions to ensure compliance with the
     current loan classification standards.

4)   Recommends the pricing of all commercial and consumer loan products.

5)   Supervises commercial and consumer loan officers and ensures that
     competent, well-trained staff are in place at all times.

6)   Represents the Company and the Bank in various civic and professional
     organizations.

7)   Ensures compliance with provisions of Community Reinvestment Act.

8)   Responsible for establishing and monitoring an officer call program for
     soliciting of deposits and loans, as well as selling fee income services.

9)   Manages the commercial and consumer loan portfolio to minimize past due
     loans, non-performing assets and non-accrual loans. Holds past due meetings
     as needed.

10)  Oversees foreclosure and repossession process as well as maintenance and
     prompt disposal of non-performing assets.

Reports  to:
-----------

     Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Bank.

                                      A-1
<PAGE><PAGE>

                                                                    Exhibit 10.1

                         PERRY ELLIS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
                             3000 NW 107/th/ Avenue
                              Miami, Florida 33172

                                                                February 3, 2003

Mr. Michael J. Setola
44 Sneider Road
Warren, New Jersey 07059

Mr. Setola:

         Reference is made to that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger of even
date herewith being entered into concurrently with the execution and delivery
hereof (the "Merger Agreement"), by and among Perry Ellis International, Inc., a
Florida corporation ("Parent"), Connor Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation
("Merger Sub"), and Salant Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"),
pursuant to which, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth
therein, Merger Sub will merge with and into the Company (the "Merger") and the
Company will be the surviving corporation in the Merger (the "Surviving
Corporation"), and become a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of Parent.
Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings ascribed thereto
in the Merger Agreement.

         This letter agreement (this "Agreement") confirms our mutual agreement
and understanding with respect to the following:

         1. (a) As a material inducement for Parent and Merger Sub to enter into
the Merger Agreement and to consummate the Merger and the transactions
contemplated by the Merger Agreement, and in consideration for the sum of $10.00
and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which
is hereby acknowledged, Michael J. Setola ("Setola") hereby agrees that he shall
not, for a period of 21 months from and after the Effective Time (which period
automatically shall be extended for such time as Setola is in breach of any of
the provisions hereof) (the "Restriction Period"), directly or indirectly (i)
solicit for hire, hire, offer employment to, engage, retain or accept the
services of, or otherwise employ, or assist any person, group of persons or any
entity with soliciting for hire, hiring, offering employment to, engaging,
retaining or accepting the services of, or otherwise employing, any person
currently employed, working for or otherwise associated or affiliated (as a
full- or part-time employee) with, the Company, the Surviving Corporation or any
of their respective subsidiaries in any sales, design, marketing, merchandising
or similar capacity (or any combination thereof) and whose annualized
compensation or remuneration (including, without limitation, salary, fees,
bonuses, perquisites, equity and other forms of incentive awards, options or
compensation) is greater than $100,000 (each such person, an "Employee") and
then only to the extent any of the prohibitions described above relate to or are
in connection with a business, venture or activity involving the wholesale or
retail manufacturing, distribution, sale or licensing of apparel goods or
services; (ii) facilitate, entice, encourage or induce in any manner any
Employee to terminate, abandon, resign, cease or otherwise alter his or her
employment, association, consultancy,

<PAGE>

business or other relationship with the Company, the Surviving Corporation or
any of their respective subsidiaries; or (iii) interfere in any manner with the
relationship of the Company, the Surviving Corporation or any of their
respective subsidiaries with any Employee. If, after the Effective Time and
prior to the end of the Restriction Period, (A) any Employee is terminated by
the Surviving Corporation or any of its subsidiaries, or (B) any Employee who is
party to an employment agreement with any of the Company, the Surviving
Corporation or any of their respective subsidiaries terminates his or her
employment for "good reason" (as defined in such employment agreement), Setola
shall be permitted to employ or hire such Employee following the expiration of
six months from such termination (which six-month period may be waived or
reduced by the prior written consent of Parent), provided that Setola is not
otherwise in violation of this Agreement.

              (b) Setola further agrees that for a period ending on December 31,
2005, he shall not, directly or indirectly, whether on his own behalf or on
behalf of or in conjunction with another person, group of persons or entity: (i)
facilitate, entice, encourage or induce in any manner Ocean Pacific Apparel
Corp. or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates ("Ocean Pacific"), as Licensor
under that certain Trademark License Agreement, dated July 20, 2001 as amended
by letter agreements dated May 13, 2002 and November 15, 2002, with the Company,
as Licensee (together with any amendment or modification thereof, and as the
same hereafter may be amended from time to time, the "Ocean Pacific License
Agreement"), to suspend, terminate, limit, modify, not renew, change or
otherwise alter the license granted (including any renewal thereof) and the
respective rights, duties and obligations of the parties under and pursuant to
the Ocean Pacific License Agreement, or otherwise interfere in any manner with
the relationship of the Company, the Surviving Corporation or any of their
respective subsidiaries or affiliates with Ocean Pacific or with the license
granted under and pursuant to the Ocean Pacific License Agreement; or (ii) if
Ocean Pacific shall not have consented to the Merger or shall have terminated
the Ocean Pacific License Agreement pursuant to the terms thereof, "control"
(within the meaning of Section 20 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "Exchange Act")), become an "affiliate" (as such term is defined in
Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act) of, or have any financial interest or
participate in the earnings or profits of or become (or have the functional
duties of) an officer, director, partner or managing member of any corporation,
partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, joint venture,
association or other entity or person (other than Ocean Pacific or any
subsidiary thereof) to which Ocean Pacific shall have granted or assigned a
license to use or any interest in the "Trademark" with respect to one or more of
the "Licensed Products" for use in the "Territory" (all such quoted terms are
defined in the Ocean Pacific License Agreement); provided, however, that nothing
in clause (ii) above shall prohibit Setola from being a passive owner of not
more than 5% of the outstanding shares of any class of securities of any such
corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, joint
venture, association or other entity, to the extent such class of securities is
publicly traded, and provided that Setola has no active (or, in relation to such
maximum 5% ownership, disproportionate) participation in or influence over the
management, business policies or affairs of such corporation, partnership,
limited partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association or
other entity.

         2.   Parent acknowledges and agrees that, at the Effective Time, it
shall pay the lump sum cash payment payable to Setola upon a "Change of Control"
and shall pay any other amounts and shall continue any benefits payable pursuant
to the Employment Agreement, dated

                                       2

<PAGE>

as of May 17, 1999 and as amended as of November 25, 2002 (the "Employment
Agreement"), between Setola and the Company, provided that Setola has given the
notice of termination pursuant to Section 7(e) of the Employment Agreement.
Parent further acknowledges and agrees that, at the Effective Time, it shall:
(i) pay all cash amounts payable and issue all shares of Parent common stock,
$0.01 par value ("Parent Common Stock"), issuable to Setola in exchange for his
outstanding shares of Company common stock, $1.00 par value ("Company Common
Stock") in the Merger upon Setola's delivery of all certificates evidencing
Company Common Stock held by Setola at the Effective Time (together with a
completed letter of transmittal) in accordance with the terms of the Merger
Agreement; and (ii) pay all cash amounts payable and issue all shares of Parent
Common Stock issuable to Setola in respect of the settlement of all outstanding
options to purchase Company Common Stock held by Setola at the Effective Time
upon the surrender of such options to the Company for cancellation in accordance
with the terms of the Optionee Agreement and Release between the Company and
Setola, dated February 3, 2003.

         3. Setola acknowledges and agrees that it is fair and reasonable that
he make the covenants and perform the undertakings set forth in this Agreement
and has done so with the benefit of the advice of legal counsel and other
business advisors. Furthermore, Setola agrees that any breach or attempted
breach or non-observance by him of any of the provisions of this Agreement will
cause material irreparable harm to Parent, the Company, the Surviving
Corporation and their respective subsidiaries and affiliates for which monetary
damages will not be an adequate remedy. Accordingly, Parent, the Company and/or
the Surviving Corporation shall be entitled to apply for and obtain injunctive
and equitable relief (whether temporary, preliminary and/or permanent) to
restrain, prevent and enjoin the breach or threatened breach of, and otherwise
to specifically enforce, the provisions of this Agreement, without the
requirement of the posting of a bond or providing any other form of security.
Nothing contained herein shall be construed as a limitation or waiver of any
other right or remedy that may be available to Parent, the Company and/or the
Surviving Corporation upon such breach, non-observance or threatened breach or
non-observance. For emergency relief (including temporary and preliminary
injunctive relief), an application may be made in any court of competent
jurisdiction, in addition to Parent's, the Company's and/or the Surviving
Corporation's right to seek injunctive, monetary and other forms of relief at
law or in equity as provided for in this Agreement. Setola further agrees that
the subject matter and duration of the restrictions contained herein are
reasonable in light of the facts as they exist today. If any restriction
contained in this Agreement is deemed to be unreasonable in any respect by a
court of competent jurisdiction, such restriction shall be reduced (but not
eliminated), in such manner as such court determines is reasonable (but in all
cases such reduction shall be only to such extent as is legally permissible to
carry out the intention of the parties hereto and to maximize the effect of the
provisions herein agreed to by the parties). Setola agrees that the provisions
of this Agreement are several, such that if any term, provision, covenant or
restriction of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction or
other authority to be invalid, void, unenforceable or against its regulatory
policy, the remainder of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect
and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated.

         4. Each of the parties hereto hereby represents and warrants, as to
himself or itself, that (a) he or it has all requisite capacity, power and
authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations
hereunder, (b) this Agreement is its legal, valid and binding obligation,
enforceable against him or it in accordance with its terms, (c) if applicable,

                                       3

<PAGE>

his or its entry into this Agreement and performance of the terms hereof has
been duly and validly authorized, (d) his or its entry into this Agreement and
performance of the terms hereof will not breach or conflict with any outstanding
obligation, contractual or otherwise, to which he or it is subject, nor will the
same violate any laws or regulations of any governmental or judicial authority
to which he or it is subject.

         5. This Agreement contains the entire agreement, and supersedes all
prior agreements and understandings, oral or written, between the parties hereto
with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may not be changed,
modified, extended or terminated except upon written amendment duly approved in
writing by each of the parties hereto.

         6. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and shall be binding
upon, the parties hereto and their respective successors, permitted assigns,
heirs and legal representatives. The rights and obligations of a party hereunder
may not be transferred or assigned, except that Parent may assign its rights and
obligations hereunder to any of its subsidiaries or affiliates.

         7. All questions pertaining to the validity, construction, execution
and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the
conflicts of laws provisions thereof. Each of the parties hereto (a) consents to
submit himself or itself to the personal jurisdiction of any Federal court
located in the State of Delaware or any Delaware state court in the event any
dispute arises out of this Agreement or any of the matters that are the subject
of this Agreement, (b) agrees that he or it will not attempt to deny or defeat
such personal jurisdiction by motion or other request for leave from any such
court, and (c) agrees that he or it will not bring any action relating to this
Agreement or any of the matters that are the subject of this Agreement in any
court other than a Federal court sitting in the State of Delaware or a Delaware
state court. The parties irrevocably and unconditionally waive any objection to
the laying of venue of any action, suit or proceeding arising out of this
Agreement or any of the matters that are the subject of this Agreement in any
Federal court located in the State of Delaware or any Delaware state court, and
hereby further irrevocably and unconditionally waive and agree not to plead or
claim in any such court that any such action, suit or proceeding brought in any
such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

         8. Each party shall duly execute and deliver, or cause to be duly
executed and delivered, such further agreements, documents and instruments, and
do or cause to be done such further acts as may be reasonably necessary or
proper to effectuate the provisions or purposes of this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby.

         9. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall
be deemed to be an original and all of which together shall constitute one and
the same instrument.

                                       4

<PAGE>

         If this Agreement correctly sets forth our understanding with respect
to the subject matters addressed herein, please execute this Agreement in the
space provided below, whereupon it shall become a binding agreement between us.

                                            Very truly yours,

                                            PERRY ELLIS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

                                            By: /s/ Timothy B. Page
                                               ---------------------------------
                                            Name:  Timothy B. Page
                                            Title: Chief Financial Officer

Agreed to and accepted as of the date first written above:

SALANT CORPORATION

By: /s/ Michael J. Setola
   ------------------------------------
Name:   Michael J. Setola
Title:  Chairman & CEO

       /s/ Michael J. Setola
---------------------------------------
           MICHAEL J. SETOLA

                                        5

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00046-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00046-of-00352.parquet"}]]