"The forme of a binding servant," 1635

From A Relation of Maryland, 1635 [reprinted in Clayton Colman Hall, editor. Narratives of Early Maryland, 1633-1684. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1910. 99].

THIS INDENTURE made the __________ day of __________ in the ___________ yeere of our Soveraigne Lord King Charles, etc. betweene __________________ of the one party, and ____________________ on the other party, Witnesseth, that the said _____________ doth hereby covenant promise, and grant, to and with the said ________________ his Executors and Assignes, to serve him from the day of the date hereof, untill his first and next arrivall in Maryland; and after for and during the tearme of ________ yeeres, in such service and imployment, as the said ____________________ or his assignes shall there imploy him, according to the custome of the Countrey in the like kind. In consideration whereof, the said _____________ doth promise and grant, to and with the said _________________ to pay for his passing, and to find him with Meat, Drink, Apparell and Lodging, with other necessaries during the said terme; and at the end of the said terme, to give him one whole yeeres provision of Corne, and fifty acres of Land, according to the order of the countrey. In witnesse whereof, the said __________________ ___________________ hath hereunto put his hand and seale, the day and yeere above written. Sealed and delivered in The presence of The usuall terme of binding a servant, is for five yeers; but for any artificer, or one that shall deserve more then ordinary, the Adventurer shall doe well to shorten that time, and adde encouragements of another nature (as he shall see cause) rather then to want such usefull men.