From Freedom’s Shadow — Student’s Guide to Documents: Valentine Reintzel

From Freedoms Shadow: Documents — Valentine Reintzel

The documents seen here are evident of the financial transactions between three owners who hired out the labor of their enslaved people to the Capitol. Valentine Reintzel indicates that he is writing from Chaptico, Maryland which is approximately 50 miles from the Capitol.


Transcription (top):


“The Commissioners of the Federal District
D.rs to Valentine Rein[tzel]

For the Hire of Negroes Harry, Mike & George from 1st Septr
1st July to 1st October 1795 1 3 months each
at 5 Dollars p mo each ………10[.00]

Received Nov.er 7th 1795 of Chris.r Richmond ten Dolla[rs]
for the above am.t p order
Matthew Kennedy”


Transcription (bottom):


“Please to pay Zephaniah King the
money due on the hire of three negroes
entered in my name
Your Able Serv.t
Valentine Reintzel
To Christopher Richmond, Esq.e Chaptico 25th Oct.r [17]95”