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Among the witnesses was one, who testified that this man Jefferson wanted him to tie a Knot, (a hangmans Knot) to Kill this Freedman which witness refused to do. Jefferson then put this Freedman, "Mingo Blankship" under guard with two other prisoners Freedman & woman, (This Freedman, "Henry Williamson" was also one of the witnesses present) but released after a time, threatening him with what he Jefferson would do when he next met him. The defense set up was that Mingo was on his premises without permission, (Mingo's Wife was working on Jefferson's Farm & he "Mingo" had called to see her)- and that he Jefferson could prove this Freedman "Mingo had been ordered by him, not to come to his Plantation, and that Mingo had damaged him to a considerable amount which he could prove, if I gave him until next day,19th. I adjourned the investigation until next day 19th. The Freedman & 4 witnesses waiting from morning. Mr. Jefferson arrived about dark with one witness - his son: I allowed his son to make his statement, (he was present at the time his Father took the rope & threatened to hang this Freedman) On the cross examination he contradicted his former statement, and acknowledged to see his Father get the rope from off his saddle (denied having heard his Father say that he would hang Mingo) and afterwards that his Father feared Mingo, under guard as above stated, and that said guard had a Gun. (This Guard Jim Warren (Freedman) was one of the witnesses & corroborated what the others said.) He, "Jefferson" then told me that another important witness was absent & that he couldn't get him that day (19th) but would try & get him next day (20th) and that he would bring witnesses to prove his innocence. I adjourned the investigation again until the 20th inst & then learned from one of the witnesses that Jefferson had taken his gun away from him & as yet had not returned it. I gave Jefferson instructions to bring