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Since, we were chopping out cotton and the overseer came and taken us a tasked us a larger task than I could do considerably more than an acre which has always been considered good work, after I have worked at it until nine oclock Parsens came to the field and said to me God Damn You I see you do not intend to do your task Damn you if you dont I will swing you I says I expect to hoe you an acre of cotton. he said God you shall how as much as Scott or Charley Damn you. if it takes you till midnight, he then started to a Blacksmith shop then for two white men and they came toward me when I concluded it was best to leave and I have not been back since. I wish him to make a settlement with me allow me to leave and take my family and get work where I can be treated as a man. 
Bill Hightower his X mark
Sworn and subscribed before me this 9th day of May 1867
N. Sellers Hill 
Capt VRC and Sub Asst Comsr