Sydney Howard Gay’s "Record of Fugitives"

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attempt to whip John, but he wouldn't be whipped by, so she would compel her husband to do it.  He had a brother, called Caswell whom his mistress once attempted to punish. In defence Caswell struck her, when she took a knife + cut him in y face. Caswell, fearing for his life, struck her again, + this time "for true" + knocked her down. He then escaped from her + left y house. When her husband, who was absent at y time returned, was told by her of y occurrence, he took down his gun, went out, + without saying a word deliberately shot y slave dead on y spot.

John also tells another story of a fellow-slave who about 18 mos. ago was hanged for playing soldier.  He had a parcel of other boys together in y woods + was drilling them to military exercise, when they were observed by some white persons, who rushed in + secured them. They were taken to y Court-house + confined for some time + whipped daily. Haywood's slave, however, was tried + condemned to be hanged,