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The answer of James M Harris to a complaint made against him by Jno Crittenden (Col'd)

Before proceeding to answer the charge of the complainant I protest against the right of any Court or any authority whatever to examine into any transaction between myself and my former slave (Jno Crittenden while the relation of slavery existed

By the laws of the Country then in force Jno Crittenden belonged to me, and all his time his labor and his earnings were mine.  He could assert no claim against me for money wages or property and I could assert none against him for expences support or trouble - and any proceeding now had the effect of which is to change that relation (which was lawful as long as it continued) and to render either party liable to the claims or demands of the other - is not only unjust & unfair but is ex post facto and contrary to all law.  If a slave may assert a claims against his former owner for a debt or property, why not for wages also while he was a slave - and why may not the owner assert his claim against the slave for care and attention doctors bills taxes &c - Then a door would be opened to useless litigation without any possibility of doing justice between the parties under the circumstances