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limb of a tree and drew him up off the ground for a short time and then left him down. This was don in the presence of his wife (Etheridges) she run and was going to loosen the Rope on the Freedmans neck Etheridge ordered her to leave it alone Hope was after further abuse and threats his life if he left the place released. He left the place the next morning and come to Sterling and reported the case to Lieut Gus Shreyer Comdg Co B. 6th US Col then stationed at this Post. The case was investigated by Lieut Shreyer but from all that I can learn Etheridge succeeded in preventing the witnesses on the part of Hope attending the trial and brought and brought the Freedmen who arrested him in his proceedings with Hope and by their testimony cleared himself of the charge. One of the witnesses stated to Sergt Holt Co B 6th US Cvly that Etheridge did hang hang Hope up by the neck and that he seen or assisted in do so and that Etheridge swore he would shoot him if he told on him (Etheridge). This had taken place a few day befor I came here I was told about the case by some of the Freedmen. I enquired Lieut Shreyer about the case