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NARA 837

to that effect. They then returned to Mr Brooks (or so reported to me) and after seeing him came back and said to me "Mr Brooks said they should not come back on the place, but must pay him for what they had consumed &c." As they had brought no written statement from Mr Brooks, I sent Mr Cash down to see him on the subject. Mr C. went down and Mr Trewith went with him. On their return they both reported that what the Freedmen had said was substantially correct to wit - that Mr Brooks not only released them but said they should not come back on his plantation; and that they should not have their effects untill they paid him for their rations. Having now explained my actions so that I may not be held culpable either by you as the Govmt. Agent of the Freedmen, or by Mr Brooks, whom I respect as a neighbor and gentleman, I now leave the whole matter with you to decide.

The Freedmen claim that their labor is sufficient compensation to Mr Brooks for their rations_ Albert admits himself indebted to Mr Brooks some six or eight dollars, outside of his rations, which he is willing to pay in sixty days.

I have the honor to be 
Very Respectfully
Your Obt Svt
G.D. Moore
Justice of the Peace

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