Background
During the Federal period, some states and territories outlawed the practice of slavery. But even in “free” states and territories, white people found legal ways to make Black men and women work without pay. One common practice was to require enslaved people to sign long-term indenture contracts.
Indenture contracts existed from the early days of the colonies. Usually, the indentured servant promised to work seven to ten years without pay in exchange for transportation to the colonies or job training. At the end of the term, the indentured servant was usually given clothing and sometimes tools to help them start their independent life.
When faced with abolition in their state or territory, many enslavers required their enslaved people to sign indenture contracts. The indenture contracts signed by enslaved people were very different from traditional contracts. They required decades of unpaid work in exchange for freedom. There were also no promises of clothing or tools to help the person start a new life at the end of their term. Historians have called these deals “a limited form of slavery.”
The gradual emancipation laws passed by states like New York and New Jersey made long-term indenture in exchange for freedom a statewide policy. Every enslaved person in those states had to work unpaid for decades to earn their freedom.
Documents
Indenture of Lucey, a Black woman, bound to Robert Chesney for 40 years
“Indenture of Lucey, a Black woman, bound to Robert Chesney for 40 years,” 1815. Joseph Conway papers, Chicago History Museum.
Document Text
Signed sealed & delivered – Lucey and Robert Chesney
In presence of Joseph Conway
Recorded in Entry Book of Slaver.Lucy a negro wench to Indenture Robert Chesney
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