I offer that contract to him, and I read it to him.

He touches a pen and signs his mark to it; there is no obligation attached at all.

He says at once, "That man is an educated man; he has the advantage of me; he shows me that contract; I do not know what is in it; I cannot even read it." Therefore a contract made with a negro in that way is almost a nullity; but if he could read that contract himself and sign his own name to it, it would be a very different thing.

I never allow a negro to sign a written contract with me before he has taken it home with him and had some friend to read it over and consult with him about it, because I want some obligation attached to my contracts.
Q.It is necessary for you as well as the negro?
-- A.

Necessary for my protection as well as his.
Q.How many of the negroes on the plantations can comprehend a written contract by reading it, because a man may be somewhat educated and not be able to decipher a contract?
-- A.