Freedmen's Bureau Records: Lease between George D.
Harris and John A. McDonnell, January 1, 1867
Summary:
Harris leases the upper floor of a building to the Bureau in Staunton for an
unspecified purpose.
This agreement made this first day of January 1867, between George D. Harris of Staunton, Augusta County, State of Virginia, party of the first part, and Captain John A. McDonnell Veterans' Reserve Corps Superintendent 9th District, Department of the Potomac, for and in behalf of the Bureau Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands, party of the second part, Witnesseth, that the said party of the first part agrees upon the terms hereinafter contained, to lease to the said party of the second part, for the use of the Bureau Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands from the first day of January 1867, for one year but the said party of the second part to be at liberty to terminate this Lease at the end of any month from the date hereof, the following described premises: the upper story of a frame building situated on South East corner of New and New Court House Streets opposite Virginia Hotel Corporation of Staunton, State of Virginia.
And the said John A. McDonnell Captain and Superintendent for and in behalf of the said Bureau Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands hereby agrees to pay the said George D. Harris Eight (8) dollars per month, for each month from the date hereof, at its expiration, and at the expiration of this Lease to deliver possession of the said property to the said party of the first part or his successors, in as good condition as the same now is, loss by fire or other unavoidable accident, and reasonable wear and tear excepted."
Signed sealed and delivered in the presences of Frederick S. Tukey, Witness
George [added: his X Mark] D.
Harris
John A. McDonnell
Captain Veterans' Reserve Corps
Superintendent 9th District
Virginia for Bureau Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands
