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4.

the management of the plantation fell upon the oldest son Thos J. and as no contracts had been entered with the F.M. were not aware of the fact. They upon coming to an understanding desired to settle the matter without further loss of time & enter into contract, they having excellent crops

Henry (F.M.) was attacked in my presence at Belmont by one J.S. Gordon (claiming to be a native of Florida "en route" for Mexico). After beating him with a stick & knocking him from off his horse, drew his five shooter, cocked it, and was just in the act of shooting when I rushed upon him took away his pistol & turned him over to my orderly, & next morning sent him to Seguin & placed him in jail to await my return. I being on my way to Gonzales to meet an appointment. His reason for the assault with intent to kill being that the negro rubbed his leg as he passed him on the road. The F.M. says Gordon stuck out his foot so as to compell him in passing to hit it.

Upon my return I fined him forty (40) dollars to get which I was compelled to sell his horse saddle & bridle which netted this amount