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("A") 

Lincolnton, N.C.
July.3rd.1866

Mr B S. Johnson, being duly examined upon the matter of the report of Commodore Wilkes US Navy as to the "Drunken Spree" of Bvt Col Geo R Bell VRC- and Asst Supt FMB says

I am Mayor of Lincolnton & Landlord of the principal Hotel of the town. I know Col Bell -  saw him on the occasion in question It was on or about June 17th and the ensuing week. He was in company with Fred & Charles Stuart - formerly in the U.S. Navy - and the sons of the Supt of Commodore Wilkes in the business he is conducting at High Shoals. They were all there in a drinking Frolic all or a greater part of the week.  They confined themselves most of the time at my house. Except when they hired a Mule & went into the Country for about 24 hours. There was no disturbance during the frolic. but passed off in quiet & good nature.   The Mule was hired of Mr Ruckney Shytel. they had my Saddle & Bridle.  Mr Shytel became uneasy after they had been gone overnight. and went out after them. found them and brought them in.

Col Bells conduct heretofore had been unexceptional 

Transcription Notes:
Transcription before edit: "Laertutona N.C." - it takes 3 seconds to google if this is a real town in NC. (it isn't.) The rest of the transcription literally wasn't even words that exist. Move on to the next one if you are this uncertain. Retranscribed. Geez.