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Tom - I know of no circumstance in my estimation to implicate the prisoner at the bar of the charge - I think the man I met going from the fire was a black man. Both parties were running as fast as they could when they met. 
(Sig) J J Smith
Testimony of J M Johnson.
I am acquainted with the prisoner since his arrival at this place which was about last Tuesday or Wednesday. Never knew him before - He is a writing Master by profession - Don't think he has a writing class, but know of him giving some lessons. 
[[strikethrough]] He also told me and I am satisfied that he is a newspaper correspondent for Galveston Republican [[/strikethrough]]- Know of nothing to implicate the prisoner for theft unless the same be contained in a Communication left on my desk - Document submitted - marked A which I am under the impression is his hand writing. 
I was at the fire - arrived there about 2 oclock - I think this piece of writing was found on my desk on Saturday or Sunday about 12 oclock. know of nothing to implicate the prisoner for theft. [[strikeout]] I saw a communication for the Galveston Republican which he handed me - There was nothing criminal in the communication - I have the document at my house. The substance of the paper was a cut at the [[/strikeout]]

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---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-03-24 19:40:12