Viewing page 272 of 346

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

(6)

Mrs Mitchell's spirit, however, was up - she was in her own house - in the evidence she brought - and questions pat - and the tenor stricken servants assented to everything she asked with fear & trembling - except an old Freedman who pretended his head was a little mixed(?) since his last sickness! Mrs Mitchell accused me of not taking this evidence & adding some insulting remarks. I respectfully informed her that I would give her a fair hearing in my office at Sterling, but I would not try the case in her house - that I had no doubt she could prove by her servants the boots off my feet & the coat off my back. Then followed a tirade which I will not repeat & which I made no reply. I then stated to Mrs Mitchell that if I allowed her entire acct. which amt'ed (less the 2 suits of clothes) to some $155.62 - taken from united wages of Brandon & wife $214.00 - she would still be in debt to the Freedman Brandon & wife $59.38. Mrs Mitchell said she owed them nothing - that Brandon's wife did not earn her bread & she was not going to pay for anything.

I told Mrs Mitchell that upon a trial I might allow her entire account & any other payments she could duly prove, but I could not allow the acct until I gave both parties a fair hearing. Mrs Mitchell then informed me with a good deal of importance that that house was hers & that hereafter she would attend to these matters ay my office. I replied that she might rest assured that I should certainly do so hereafter & very pleasantly bid her & family good evening.

In answer to my inquiries Brandon said he could not wait for a trial, as his crop was in a bad condition but would come to Sterling in two weeks & I then proposed to have a hearing. I gave Brandon a letter to Mr. Geo. Garvey of Falls County from whom Brandon has land to work - stating that I had not been able to

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