Washington and Lee University, University Library Special Collections and Archives
204 W. Washington St.This collection consists of seven one year contracts between Abraham Lovell, curator of William Ackerly's (deceased) estate, and individuals for hire of enslaved persons, Rachel, Fanny, Nancy, James Alexander, Elisha, and Caroline with her three children. Each contract includes the name of the enslaved person, dates for her/his hire, the cost, and the name of the leasee. Further, each document states that the individuals were to be treated "with humanity" or "humanely" and returned with 'the usual amount of clothing' on Christmas day of the same year.