Viewing page 177 of 239

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

Mrs. Rush Austin being sworn states that "Tom" (Thomas Jefferson) was at work for Mr. Austin and that on the evening of the burning of Mr. Goodwin's factory he came to the house a little after sun-set and did the chores and then came in and stood by the fire until she (Mrs. Austin) finished her supper. When she was done she gave Tom his supper and he sat down by the fire and ate it. After he was done the young lady who was with me that night in the absence of my husband talked with him to detain him as we were timid about being alone. His wife soon called him from her cabin and he went home. In a little while - I could not tell how long - perhaps it might have been an hour and might have been 7 O-clock - I discovered the light from Goodwin's burning factory and called Tom who answered from his cabin and came to us.

Tom worked for Mr. Goodwin last year and had nothing to go upon at the end of the year. Mr. Austin had to furnish him when he came there.

Official Copy

W R Morse
Bt. Maj. & Supt. 4th District