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Mr McKeller as manager of the plantation, or any other person, they have nothing to do with. In deciding upon the responsibility in the loss of the burned Cotton we have nothing to do with Mr. McKeller, except to show that he was the lawful Agent, manager or representative of Mr Gay. When Mr McKeller is thus shown to be the Agent or manager of Mr Gay the responsibility is fixed.

The Status of the parties then is this, Mr Gay is responsible to the freedpeople for one-fourth of the amount of Cotton burned, and if Mr McKeller is liable for damages at all, he is liable to Mr Gay.

The facts are these: the freedpeople performed their part of the Contract: they raised the crop, gathered it_ placed it in the Gin House, and Mr Gay or his Agent - and it makes no difference which, for they are both Mr Gay, as far as responsibility to the freedpeople is concerned- through negligence, carelessness, or want of skill destroyed it.

As soon as I am able to procure the Contract between Mr Gay and Mr McKeller I will send a copy.

Part of Mr Gay's Cotton has been Shipped to Galveston but to what House I cannot inform you. It is marked J. L. Gay and can easily be found. I would suggest that it be seized, and shall notify the Agent at Columbus to stop his Cotton at Alleyton, if any is there.

Very respectfully
Your Most obt. Servt.
J. Johnson
Capt. 114th U.S.C.I. and
S.A.C. B of R.F. and A. Lds.

Transcription Notes:
changed Freepeople to Freedpeople in three places