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whipped them so much that they had been working with a white man, to whom thier mother had hired them, and who treated them badly and they "came away to master's" (Mr Hicks'). Gave thier ages 11,12, & 15. I think this is about thier correct ages— I remarked to the older one "you are small for one of your age"— Mr H. said he is about 11. I asked "by whom would you rather be whipped, your father or Mr Hicks" They said "by Master" I then said "I've come to take you to your mother." They seemed quite pained at this announcement and said "I dont want to go. I dont! want to go"— I then asked for the older one, meaning those spoken of in Genl Rutherford's communication "as 18 & 19 respectively" and was informed by Mr. H. that [[?]] Diana had 7 sons- "one in Wilmington (married), one with him (married) and 5 claimed minors by their Mother.

The three older ones living with Mr H. then came in— the two unmarried gave thier ages 17 & 20. The older married, has a wife and 4 children These three are working with Mr H. the two unmarried at 8$ per month & rations — all are contented and prefer to live with Mr, H. - the 3 older ones having tramped about for a year since free.

Transcription Notes:
"as 18 & 19 respectfully" -- "respectfully" as written on earlier page. -- Beth