Redemptioners

or indented servants. From the earliest settle ment of the American colonies, particularly the middle colonies, in-. dented servants formed a large part of the population. Many came over from England under bond for their pa age to serve a number of years. Many also were kidnapped and placed in enforced slavery for a term of years. They served four, five, or seven years, according to contract. At the etd of these terms they were released, awarded fifty acréé of land and became free citizens. Hence the term ‘‘Redemptioners.’’ This system was introduced in Virginia in 1607 with the first colétiy; in Ma achusetts in 1631. It also existed in Maryland, New York, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. The practice was not disc on tinted in the middle colonies until 1750. Redpath, James - Sinking Fund. 159