Wilson N.C. Nov 6^th 1867

Prev Lt Col W A Cutler

Col

The condition of my family will prevent my personal appearance at Rocky Mount on the 9^th to show cause by what authority I hold in my service Edward & Esau Bagley (Col’d) But will take this method of reporting that Edward aged about 13 years was apprenticed to me by the Bureau at Goldsboro N.C. in the year 1866.  Subsequently (Oct Term 1866) by the County Court of Wilson County.  Said boy is an orphan, with no nearer relative than half-uncle and is perfectly satisfied & contented.

Esau is forty five years of age and is living with me as per contract made and entered into by himself and myself and with which he seems, to me, perfectly satisfied, none having made any complaint.  If any informality or irregularity exists in regard to the indentures I am not aware of it, & which, if such there be the court upon motion properly made will correct – or annul the indentures.

Yours &c, Alvin Bagley

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40 year-old farmer Alvin Bagley is listed in the 1870 federal census of Stantonsburg township, Wilson County.   Farmer’s apprentice Edwin Bagley, 18, appears next door in the household of 22 year-old farm laborer Cain Atkinson. Both were African-American, as were farm laborer Esaw Bagley, 50, and farmer Isaac Bell, 40, with whom Esaw lived in Springhill township.

North Carolina Freedmen’s Bureau Assistant Commissioner Records 1862-1870, http://www.familysearch.org.