Viewing page 96 of 160

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

("B")

Lincolnton, N.C.  July 3, 1866.

Mr M S. Richmond, being duly examined in the matter of the alleged drunkenness of Bvt Col Geo R Bell VRC. Asst Supt &c as reported by Commander Wilkes, says, 
I reside at Lincolnton. am from Canada. I am engaged under the Freedmen's Aid Society teaching the Freedmen's School. I board with Mrs Stubbs, her husband is a policeman. On the night of 22nd June he was sick. I took his place on the village patrol At 3 A.M. 23d June, I found Col Bell with the two Stuart boys laying on the ground south of the Court House about 20 yards on the Public Square. I understood that they had liquor.  They were laughing and talking. I think they were intoxicated. I did not associate much with him. His conduct gave uniform dissatisfaction to the Union men of this Sub District. And Satisfaction to the rest.  Except, perhaps the Freedmen. I think he done as near right as he could get at the truth. 

I was the Agent of the Bureau before he came. I have seen Col Bell drink before, but never saw him intoxicated

M. S. Richmond 

Subscribed and Sworn before me, this 3d July 1866.
A W Shaffer
Capt VRC
Asst Supt Fdmen.