Viewing page 200 of 346

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

took a letter concerning me. The "General" there said there was no cause of complaint and advised me to go to Galveston and find work. I went to Galveston found work and stayed there sometime. I came back to Caney and thought that the matter was done with. Last Saturday, George Jones, the deputy Sheriff came and took me from Caney Creek to answer to the charge of "attempting to kill Shortridge". I wished to have an old woman called Nancy, living on John Duncan's plantation brought in as witness for she saw how I had been used, as also, Lizzie, and old Charles Blair. But George Jones, said no; he had orders to bring me, and no one else, I was put upon my trial the next Wednesday in the District Court of Matagorda County, the jury could not agree to a verdict. I am now in the charge of the Sheriff of Matagorda County to await my trial. I had been tried for this before the Provost Court at Columbia, and was declared innocent....
I do not wish to interfere with the Civil Courts but I earnestly believe this woman has not had justice done her, the evidence against her was very simple, it plainly said the plaintiff, believed she was playing off sick, and that they went in and told her to get out, which she did not do, high words ensued and the affair began and ended as per statement of the woman. 
I am so very respectfully your obedient servant
Charles F. Rand
Bur Captain V.R.C S.A.C.