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The last charge was for $25.00 which Brandon positively declared he had never received. At this time dinner was announced & I partook, the Freedman doing the same at the quarters. I was treated with excessive politeness at the table. After dinner, I told Mrs Mitchell that a large number of complaints had been made to me by Freedmen for non payment by her in full of last year's wages; and that if their statements were anywhere near correct, she would be in debt to the Freedmen some $2000 or $3000. Also that complaint had been made that her manager Mr. McLain & Captain Schoffer had taken several Freedmen, while under contract to on E.T.H. Allison, forcibly from the field of Allison while at work & compelled then to sign a contract in favor of Mrs Mitchell. This I said pleasantly adding that I knew but little of the merits of these cases, but each were the complaints. These complaints were denied, but in a pleasant manner. I told Mrs. Mitchell I desired to avoid all trouble about these matters - that if the Freedmen for their due, I should not take up other matters unless my duty compelled me to. Thus for everything went finely. I then proposed to draw off that part of Brandon's account which I proposed to allow.

The first charge of $14.00 interlined, paid before contract commenced & denied by Brandon, I disallowed. I believe I allowed all charges from Dec 25/65 to May 1866 when 8 days lost time were charged & the account cancelled up to that date by Lt. McClermot. In as much as Brandon was brought back by force, tied up by the thumbs & compelled to work for the remainder of the year. I held that Lt. McClermot had no right to Cancel that account. I only charged Brandon with 8 days lost time. 21 days lost time was charged against Brandon's wife which he admitted & I allowed but six weeks lost time charged his wife, Brandon denied & I disallowed. I, also,

Transcription Notes:
2.9.2023 - Transcribed per guidelines and marking for review