3

spend thursday night with him.

About 11 o'clock on Saturday Nichols came over to the shop,
I met him in the lane, and received from him an account of this
most unfortunate affair. I give it to you in few words.

It seems that hey met in the yard about day light on Saturday
morning- When W. said to Jim 'I suppose you went over to see
you master last night: Jim said that he did. 'What did he say
to you,' That is my own business Mr. Nichols. Thereupon Nichols
uttering some harsh and angry words got hold of a part of a
rail and as Jim was walking off from him, his back turned he
gave him the blow - which brought him to the ground! But one
blow was given. The poor fellow ahs lost immense quantities of
blood from his mouth and nose. I feel a deep solicitude that
Jim should live. First on account of his thoughtless overseer!
and two he has ever been a bad and ungovernable slave:
I have ever felt a great regard for him, in as much as he
was your first servant and the gift of my grandfather
He is anxious to live, and doubt not will be very patients, which
is all important. The negros in Person are better: I hardly expect
to visit Person this week. Judge Ruffin and Judge [illegible] were
nominated I understand by a meeting of our people held at Red
Mountain on Saturday. Judge Mangum I learn addressed
the people, and made the nomination. I hope to see you
at the earliest day. Your affectionate & devoted son
Paul