From Freedom’s Shadow — Student’s Guide to Documents: Susannah Johnson

From Freedoms Shadow: Documents — Susannah Johnson
From Freedoms Shadow: Documents — Susannah Johnson

Several women appear in documents related to the construction of the Capitol as owners requesting payment for the labor of their enslaved people or receiving payment as a third party. In this document, payment for the labor of James H. Blake’s enslaved people (Peter, Nace, Wile, Tom, and Isaac) is directed to Susannah Johnson.


Transcription:


“To the Commissioners of the Federal City
Drs to Susannah Johnso[n]
Capitol
For the Hire of Negroes Peter, Nace, Basil, Wile
Tom & Isaac from 1st July Septr to 1st October
1 3 Months at 5 Dollars each p mo …..25.00

Rec.d 16th October 1795 of Maj.r Christopher Richm[ond]
payment for the above—
James H. Blake