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Affidavit of J.M. Fennell
Robert Fennell Freedman was formerly my slave. He was made free by the U.S. Government in 1865. He was in the service of the Confederate Army and returned to my plantation in Sampson County in or about the first of May 1865.
After he returned he went to work on the plantation the same as if he had been my slave without any bargain or contract of agreement for wages being made between us. 
After a short time a girl left and soon after a man left the plantation when I called the rest up and told them all that if they would remain with me during the summer and until the crop was harvested I would pay them but that if they left before that I should pay them nothing.
Robert Fennell left the plantation without my consent or permission on of about the middle of July 1865 and never worked any more on the plantation. I did not see him again until December when he came to me and demanded pay for the work he had done.

Duplin County} John M Fennell
North Carolina} 
Personally applaud before a Magistrate of the State and County aforesaid the above named John M. Fennell and made oath that the above statement is correct. 
June 11th AD 1866 MK Deanne JP