Good Morning POU. Be warned, today’s entry is one of strange fruit.
Affidavits of Richard Baker, Louisa Jeffries, Wilson & Peter Jeffries regarding colored man Albert Jeffries, who was taken from his cabin on the night of May 11th, 1865.
Wilson Jeffries, Peter Jeffries and Charles Jeffries of lawful age being duly sworn
Testify that the day after Albert Jeffries was missed that their former master John Jeffries called all hands up and told them that they were only free for 60 days – Peter Jeffries remarked that Mr. John Jeffries his former master talked like he wanted them to leave him. Mr. John Jeffries then drew a pistol and said that if it had to be commenced it had better be then but finally put up his pistol told all that they had to be more obedient & humble if they did not want to go the way Albert went.
Richard Baker of lawful age being duly sworn
Testifies that he belonged to Frank M. Baker and lives at Paine Jackson’s on the Tombigbee River in Clark County, Ala. and that on or about the 17th of May 1865 he was in Todd Old Field and he there saw the body of a colored man hanging by the neck which he recognized to be that of Albert Jeffries formerly slave of John Jeffries.
Louisa Jeffries, slave of John Jeffries and wife of Albert Jeffries of lawful age being duly sworn
Testifies that on Thursday night the 11th of May 1865 – about 9 o’clock Mr. John Jeffries her former master called her husband Albert to come and take his horse and put him up which he did and came back to his cabin sat a little while then went to bed. Had been in bed but a short time when some men came to the door and called for their friend Albert to come out. Albert said he did not like to open his door. They then broke open the door and came in the cabin. She recognized those who came in to be John Jeffries, Theodore Crouse, and Lewis Harris. Each had a shot gun. Made Albert get out of bed. Lewis Harris crossed his hands and Theodore Crouse tied him. John Jeffries stood with his gun pointed at Albert’s head. They then took him out of the cabin and rode off. Has not seen him since & next morning when the sun was about an hour high saw her former master Mr. John Jeffries, who told her not to be uneasy that not a hair of Albert’s head would be hurt and that she would see him again.