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At Hamilton. Martin County N.C this 30 April  1868.

Lt J.M Foote 
Com'dg  at Plymouth. N.C

Dear Sir
Inclosed please find report of RE Weatherbon & myself, in the Matter Henry Eborn Cold against Mrs DB Howell an old reputed widow lady near this place - and having given the matter due & careful consideration as to what was right irrespective to the parties you will please excuse us from any further action in the matter - as I find it impossible to please the colored man, as was often the case with him in very plain matter, decided by me heretofore in which he was concerned -  I was much surprised he chose me as umpire, as he could afford nothing from any decision or actions, unless justice was on his side in my view of the case - as I always have endeavored to decide matters submitted for my decision, agreeably to my best Judgment of the low & according to Law & the immutable principles of Justice, irrespective of person or cast - & would not knowingly err, for one of my own son's Please excuse me in the future from acting as umpire, in any & all cases, - But from a desire to serve you & my neighbors. I should not have acted in this case - If any thing further is desired by you in the way of explanations of any of the thing of the account, in the report I will most cheerfully give them if desired & were the matter to be done over again, I would not commence [[illegible]] $50- for I would rather decide 500 cases for intelligent men than one of this kind - Mrs Howell desires her money from Henry, & asks you kindly to instruct or aid her in getting it if your authority extends as far - I hear, the Henry Eborn wishes to carry the matter farther - perhaps in the civil courts & that he is somewhat as much displeased with me - I can not for it - I have known him from infancy & was sincere - In conclusion hastily, I am very truly, y'r obt svt Wite: E. Ebors 
When I receive no pay for labor I get no thanks from most men - (freedmen especially so)