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"H" North Carolina } Columbus County } This day came before me H. H. Holton a justice of the Peace in aid for said county, James W Elliott who being sworn saith in oath, that, he is well acquainted with the manner in which Benjamin M Richardson treats men in his employ. He treats men in his employ as well as men could wish to be treated, he feeds them and pays the well. I know of no distinction in his treatment with regard to color or race. I have frequently heard men ask for favor, and have never known any of them refused. [[signature]] James W his X mark Elliott [[/signature]] seal Signed sealed and } sworn to before me } March 19th 1866 } [[signature]] H. H. Holton JD[[/signature]] seal