Affidavit of a Tennessee Freedman

[Memphis, Tenn., July 18, 1866]

Before me personally appeared the undersigned Archy Paine, who being duly sworn deposes as follows

My name is Archy Paine.  I have been living with Andrew Stweart, in Shelby County in the State of Tenn.  I made a contract with the said Stweart about the 15^th of February last. to worke his farm for half of the Crop.  About two months ago, while I was out in the field plowing, He came out there and said that my plow was running too deep.  I told him that I guessed not.  He said by God I know that it is, And if I told him that it was not again, He would whip me.  I told him that I could not help it.  At that he got a stick and beat me over the head. he having a knife in his hand at the same time.

Yesterday July 17^th I told him that if he did not make his childern stop telling lies on me and my men, I would whip them.  At that he had me arrested for threatening to kill his childern. and made me pay sixteen dollars and my wagon for bail. to appear next saturday. July 21′ 1866 for trial. at the Raleigh Court house   He told me that I had better leave the state, if I knew what was good for my self.  I told him that I would leave his place if he would pay me for what I had done   He said he would not do it

his         
Archy X Paine
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