2006-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/31/2006
An extremely detailed indenture dated 1771 in which the Overseers of the Poor of the town of Stoughton in New England bind one Rachel Rogers, "a poor child belonging to the town and county aforesaid to the family of Samuel Paul, to serve the family until March 25, 1776, :"At which time the said apprentice ( if she survive) will arrive at the age of Eighteen years". Apparently the young girl was to gain her personal independence several months ahead of that of her nation! Among the many stipulations given to the bound girl she is required to swear to keep the families secrets, and to do everything possible to carry out the families commands within the limits of the law. In return, the family obligates themselves to teach her to read, :'and also good housewifery (if she be capable of learning). At the dismissal of the bondservant she is to be provided with two complete sets of clothes :"Suitable to her Quality". The indenture is expertly mounted on acid free paper, apparently due to the earlier owner's concern about fold splitting, because other than the prescence of the aforementioned fold splits, the document appears to be in very good condition.
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