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several of the insubordinate laborers as is usual in the U S Army.

In January 1867 I settled with all my laborers under their contracts of 1866 except two who were overpaid and whose receipts were not taken. All the rest gave me their receipts on settlement which you are requested to inspect. One of the laborers Charley Brandon (above referred to) by name came to my house on Monday 27th May with Mr Randle the sub agent of the Bureau for Robertson County. Mr Randle was received by me politely and treated as a gentleman until I was grossly insulted. After eating his dinner at my house he announced to me that I had failed to settle fairly with Charley Brandon and demanded to look at my Cash Book. I produced the account and stated to him that he had been overpaid: that his wife who was under contract with him was worthless as a laborer having been confined in childbed during the year but was kindly cared for clothed and supported by me and both she and her husband paid in full. Mr Randle refused to recognize my account. I offered to produce proof of its correctness from the plantation and when my witness came (a freed man) Mr Randle refused to hear his testimony. Mr