[RECONSTRUCTION]. Labor contract between freedmen and women named "Joe," "Mindo," "Francis," and "Esel," and plantation owner W.W. Raffield. Clarendon District, SC. 16 January 1866.

Partly-printed "Freedman's Contract for 1866...Articles of Agreement between W.W. Raffield and Freedmen and Women whose names are hereunto attached." 1p, 7 3/4 x 12 1/2 in. (creasing, approx. 1 in. tear at top edge line and small tear bottom right). Signed "W.W. Raffield" by William W. Raffield (1824-1901), and by 4 freedmen and women with their marks. Docketed on verso with approval from South Carolina Freedmen's Bureau field officers including Captain Daniel Judson Bradham.

The regulation of written labor agreements between planters and freedmen was one of the major activities of the Freedmen's Bureau in South Carolina. Still, post-war labor contracts were structured in accordance with the Southern states' "Black Codes" which attempted to restrict African Americans' freedom, impel them to work for low or no wages, and keep freedmen dependent and subordinate. While the contracts formally outlined terms of employment such as pay, clothing, medical care, the distribution of crops, length of work days, etc., the former enslavers were able to maintain a system of labor which closely approximated the system of enslavement which had existed in the former Confederate states.

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Ms. Horstman has spent over a decade specializing in historic photography and Americana at auction. During her tenure, she has overseen several notable single owner auctions, including property from the inventory of celebrated Americana and antique arms expert Norm Flayderman. During her time with the firm, she has maintained an active membership in the Daguerreian Society. Ms. Horstman holds an MA in Art History from the University of Cincinnati and a BA in Art History from The Ohio State University.

American Historical Ephemera and Photography, Featuring African Americana

[RECONSTRUCTION]. Labor contract between freedmen and women named "Joe," "Mindo," "Francis," and "Esel," and plantation owner W.W. Raffield. Clarendon District, SC. 16 January 1866.

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