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(2)
same statement & through them I learned the terms of the Contract, which I believe to be in substance as follows: Alexander Wren, a Freedman (the other parties Frank Bennett, Malinda Colier & Julia Gooch were employed by him) agreed to give one half (1/2) of the Cotton raised on a certain piece of ground, for which he himself was to pay rent, to Duke & he bound himself to furnish horses (and feed for them) to cultivate it with.  The corn crop was to be shared equally between them, but was to be raised on Duke's land.  He (Duke) furnishing horses to cultivate it also.  Alexander Wren further agreed to do everything that was needful about the plantation and among other things to split rails & to make a cross-fence on Duke's farm & to keep in repair the other fences.
Afterwards it was agreed by both parties to select a Board of Arbitration to consist of 6 men, each party selecting 3, and to abide by its decision.  This Board met and the written proceedings of it I enclose, marked "C". It is incomplete in this that but five members of he Board signed it, the other, Mr. Drake refusing to do so on the ground that the transcript was not a true copy of the original proceedings, which had been taken home by one of the members to copy before it should receive their signatures. The Board claims to have been guided by the Contract alone - none of its members, however, were sworn - both parties agreeing that the members of it should not be sworn (see paper marked "D").
Wren was "docked" by the Board one fourth (1/4) on the cotton because it was proven to their satisfaction that it had not been properly tended or should have yielded 1/4 more of it

Transcription Notes:
Reviewer: edits made, ready to Complete.