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coming in. Mr. Carter did not attempt to leave his office. Mrs. Carter was sick in bed at the time. I did not see Mr. Carter after the shot until today 20th of June. I came several times during his absence. Mr. Carter spoke first and drew the first weapon. It is about 30 feet from office to gate and about 30 feet from office to dwelling house door. Mr. Edwards was coming in the gate when Mr. Carter took up his gun, he did not have it at a present, and put it down again. I have been acquainted with Mr. Carter for 8 years. The general oppinion is that Mr. Carter is very timid. I was present when Mr. Carter sold out to Mr. Pippin. 
(Signed) R.N. Compton.

T. M. Richards sworn on the part of the state sayeth: I rode up and Mr. Carter told me to come in, he told me this was an awful thing I asked what it was. He said Edwards and his crowd was coming to kill him. When he made that remark I asked what for. He said Edwards was going to have that moeny, or one of us should not live on this creek, then after he told me that he asked me if my gun was in good trim. I told him it was, and said John you dont need my gun. John Edwards is not coming here with a crowd. Then I said I was going to stop this. Carter then said call in the other boys, and if they say that is the proper way to do we will do it, he said he wanted it stopped.