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From Thomas Ruffin to Paul Cameron.
[From Cameron Papers]

Almance, November 12th, 1865

My negros have begun upon me, the boy Isaac having
served me last night with notice to appear at Hillsborough
next tuesday to show cause why I should not pay him Ten dollars
per month! I am determined to meet him. I would do so if his
were the only case, but I firmly belive that he is put for-
ward to feel the way for all the others, so that it is a life
& death case for me. I shall therefore be down in the train of
tomorrow evening, & will thank you to send for me; and also to
send Jesse word to meet me at your house upon the arrival
of the train. He can, if he will, prove everything I want; tho I
shall take down others to smack the fellow down, I trust, as
he ought to be. It is very vexatious, but I mean to make battle
for you all, since, if this fellow overcomes me, the rest of
you may look out for the like treatment.
Tell Graham of it, and ask him to accompany me to the
Court, & let the Judge know what reliance he may place on my
statements, if he will allow me to make any.
Though not in good humor, I am, as ever,
very truly yours,