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Matagorda Texas 13 April 1866

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To Wm. H. Sinclair
A.A.G. Freedmens Beaureau
Galveston Texas

Some time back a slight outrage was committed here against the Schoolmaster of the Colord School, by throwing a bone through the window and bruising a negro boys head. 

Some other threats were rumoured but no other outrage has transpired.  But on the 11th of the month on the Plantation of Mr Sam'l G. Powell a relative of the owner, a Mr. McClellan undertook to whip a negro boy (a natural child of Mr. Abram Sheppard former owner of the said Plantation  (said Powell being his son in law) and said McClellan being a sisters son of Mr. S.G. Powell - so you see this is a family affair.

Lee Sheppard (coloured) the brother of the boy under the chastisement of his white quondom relative, rode up and remonstrated with McClellan, whereupon McClellan told him "damn you I will also whip you"  After more words McClellan fired two pistol shots at Lee, Lee returned the second fire and shot McClellan through the head, killing him instantly.

Though the case was a plain one, a warrant was got out.  Lee Sheppard has thus far escaped, and I do not think he will be laid hold of.

The Lord help him if the Caney people lay hold of him.

Here in Matagorda he would be safe, but I do not know how the Caney majistrate, in case he was caught; would act.

He appears to be very fair, but I would not trust my body corporate in the hands of any majistrate of the Caney peoples selecting were I a negro.

The wages due up to the 1st January of this year to the Negroes are I think one half lost for want of 

Transcription Notes:
2.7.2023 - "quondam" = "that once was; former" Caney, TX (Matagorda County).Caney, formerly Caney Crossing, is on Farm Road 457 seven miles east of Bay City in eastern Matagorda County