In most cases owners were paid $5.00 per month per enslaved person. The document shown here indicates that the owner (James H. Blake) received payment for two of his enslaved people (Abram and Charles) for the one month’s labor each.

Transcription:

“The Commissioners of the Federal District

Drs to James Hollingshead
Capitol
For the hire of Negroes Abram Jack & Charles from 1st Sept.r
1st July to 1st October 1795 – 10 Months at 5
Dollars each p mo……………………………Drs 10.00
45.00

Rec.d of Maj.r C. Richmond this 16th of Octob.r 179[5]
payment in full for the above
James H. Blake