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Rev'd James Scott, Local Preacher of the Methodist Church, (col) says I have known Mr Tukey about 18 months. My first business with him was in connection with the repairs of the church.  I was chairman of the building committee.  Mr Tukey took a job to repair the church, and when it was completed he asked us Eighty eight ($88) dollars.  We asked him for a bill specifying items.  This he refused or neglected to do, and afterwards he told us that if we would pay him about $50. he would call the bill square.  The repairs were made from old lumber taken from a Rebel Guardhouse.

I have seen Mr Tukey sell clothing.  I also saw Mr Scott, the teacher, sell clothing, and afterwards he turned into the Church fund about ($70)  Seventy dollars from such sales.  Mr Tukey turned in no money.  I do not consider his reputation for honesty good.  Among our people it is very bad.  At the time the Freedmen's Court was organized, Mr Tukey directed the colored people to hold a public meeting and elect a representative at Court. We did so and elected Lawyer Fultz, who was a well known Union man, and one in whom we had full confidence. Mr Tukey objected to his serving and appointed Mr Dews, in whom we had no confidence; and after his opposition to the colored people because so manifest, he was relieved and Mr. Risk appointed by Mr Tukey.

Have known Lieut. Cook.  Never knew him to sell clothing.  He attended to his duty and was generally liked.  Never heard any thing against him.


Transcription Notes:
---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-10-31 17:31:04