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American Social History Projec
WHO BUILT AMERICA?

"Indebted to Her Master/Mistress": A Prostitute's Contract

Background: Almost all of the Chinese who immigrated to the United States before 1900 were men. The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 not only banned additional immigration of Chinese laborers, but also prevented Chinese men who remained in the United States from bringing over wives from China to join them. Of the approximately 100,000 Chinese immigrants who resided in the United States between 1880 and 1900, only 5,000 were women. Some found work as laundresses and servants; others arrived as indentured sex workers. This 1886 contract describes the stringent conditions under which Xin Jin was forced to work as a prostitute in San Francisco in exchange for payment of her fare from China.

The contractee Xin Jin became indebted to her master/mistress for food and passage from China to San Francisco. Since she is without funds, she will voluntarily work as a prostitute at Tan Fu’s place for four and one-half years for an advance of 1,205 yuan (U.S. $524) to pay this debt. There shall be no interest on the money and Xin Jin shall receive no wages. At the expiration of the contract, Xin Jin shall be free to do as she pleases. Until then, she shall first secure the master/mistress’s permission if a customer asks to take her out. If she has the four loathsome diseases she shall be returned within 100 days; beyond that time the procurer has no responsibility. Menstruation disorder is limited to one month’s rest only. If Xin Jin becomes sick at any time for more than 15 days, she shall work one month extra; if she becomes pregnant, she shall work one year extra. Should Xin Jin run away before her term is out, she shall pay whatever expense is incurred in finding and returning her to the brothel. This is a contract to be retained by the master/mistress as evidence of the agreement. Receipt of 1,205 yuan ($524) by Ah Yo. Thumb print of Xin Jin the contractee. Eighth month 11th day of the 12th year of Guang-zu (1886).

Source: Carol Berkin and Mary Beth Norton, Women of America (Boston, 1979), 243-44.