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Montgomery Sept 10th 1866

Last Saturday night while lying in my bed about nine oclock. I was sent for to address an assembly of col'd people at the African Church relative to a col'd National convention to be holden at Cincinnatti. I responded to the call of my people and addressed them but I was carefull how I spoke. using no epithets nor language disrespectful of any one. During my discourse a Justice of the Peace, James Thomas, by name came up and using profane language threatened to arrest every one of us. When I was informed of what he said I simply said he had not the right to do as he had said he would, and went on with my discourse, not dreaming I had given offense. Yesterday (Sunday), I came across the bridge that spans the Coosa river and divides the town into East and West Wetumpka. While standing in the North East corner of the buildings. Known as the Hagerty Row, The aforesaid James Thomas called me to him and I not knowing that he had any malice in his heart against me, Went to him when he after saying damn

Transcription Notes:
Symbol at the top reads: The National Archives of the United States - its not a symbol it is a stamp and it is not to be transcribed per SI