Thomas Jefferson Papers

Agreement with George Harmer for the Public Use of Slaves, 3 February 1781

Agreement with George Harmer for the Public Use of Slaves

In Council February 3d. 1781.

The Board agree to give thirty thousand weight of Tobacco for the within Slaves one year: and if Mr. Harmer takes them away on the 10th. of October, or at any time between that and the end of the year, he shall allow a Credit for a part of their cloathing and taxes proportioned to the time wanting to make up the compleat year. If they be withdrawn on Account of an Invasion, a Similar deduction is to be made for their Wages, Cloathing and taxes. Payment to be made half yearly.

Th Jefferson

Tr (Vi); endorsed in several hands: “Govern. & Council’s agreemt. for Negroes 3 Februy. 1781 to commence 10 Jany. past. Mr. Harmers Papers 1781 Settled.”

See Muter to TJ, 24 Jan., and Harmer to TJ, 25 Jan. 1781. The War Office Journal (Vi) has a minute under 3 Feb. 1781 stating that Harmer has been informed of these terms “and requesting him to inform, if the terms the Governor offers are agreable.”

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