Student's Guide to Resources: Middleton Belt | From Freedom's Shadow / African Americans and the U.S. Capitol

In this document, Middleton Belt is receiving payment for the labor of Peter (an enslaved person). He is also documented on Capitol payrolls and timesheets as an “overseer” of various laborers at the Capitol.

Transcription:

“The Commissioners of the Federal District D.r
To Middleton Belt
For the Hire of Negro Peter, from 1st of July
to 1st of October___3 Months at 5 Ds p mo_____Ds 15.[00]
Received 10th October 1795 of Chris.r Richmond fifteen Dollars
for the above account Middleton Belt”

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From Freedom’s Shadow — Student’s Guide to Documents: Middleton Belt

United States Capitol Historical Society