Papers (1815-1866) including a promissory note, receipts, and a letter from the Freedman's Bureau relating to the payment of wages to Sophia Dunford, a freedwoman. 8 items.
A freedwoman (or freedman) is a former slave who has been released from their bonds, typically through legal action. In the United States, this term is used to refer to former enslaved individuals who were emancipated both during and following the American Civil War. The freedmen and women were aided by the Freedmen's Bureau, a provision from the U.S. government to provide supplies for freedmen and their families. This provision was an important factor in the work of Reconstruction in the South and was charged with, among other things, the settlement of disputes between former white enslavers and freed Black men and women.
The most significant item in the collection is a letter from the Headquarters, Freedmen's Bureau, Subdivision of Tarboro, and Rocky Mount, N.C., sent to Enos Harrell and dated January 14, 1866 The letter charges that the enslaver Harrell failed to pay proper wages to Sophia Dunford, a freed Black woman formerly enslaved by Harrell. The Freedmen's Bureau, an important factor in the work of Reconstruction in the South, was charged with, among other things, the settlement of disputes between former white enslavers and freed Black men and women.
Also included, in addition to receipts (1815-1847), is a promissory note which reflects the hiring of Sophia Dunford in 1855. The note was payable to Luinda Dunfred.
Gift of Mr. Alexander B. Andrews
Processed by D. Lennon, May 1968
Encoded by Apex Data Services
Descriptions updated by Jennifer Overstreet, July 2020
Descriptions updated by Ashlyn Racine, May 2023
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