Jack belonged to a neighbor of Wilson's by the name of Scott, and having
done something displeasing to Scott he wished to tie him up and whip
him. Jack refused to be whipped by Scott or any one else, when Prince
was called upon by his master (Scott) to help him secure Jack. Prince
was reluctant, but was commanded two or three times to take hold of
Jack and hold him. Jack told him not to approach him at the peril of his
life; but not heeding Jack's warning he made the effort to tie Jack,
when he was stabbed to the heart with a knife in Jack's hand, and
expired almost instantly. Jack made his escape for a short time, but was
captured and immediately hanged without a trial or an opportunity to
make any defense. Jack was captured in a corn-crib on Wilson's
plantation, which made Thompson suppose the murder had been committed
there.

This recital, which was made in substance to Hines by my master, cowed
the overseer considerably, and a house-servant who was present during
the conversation afterwards told me that Hines' face turned white as a
sheet, and he trembled like a leaf.

My master knew his overseer was a coward, and that if he could work upon
his fears by supposing me to be too high-spirited to stand a whipping,
he would probably save me from Hines' malice, and keep the overseer to
his work. Good overseers were hard to get in the South. An intelligent
Christian man would not have such a position under any circumstances,
and the very best of the "poor white trash" who _would_, were unreliable
and brutish; therefore Mr. Thompson had to do the very best he could
under the circumstances. He did not believe Hines; yet he had to humor
him, in a measure.

After a few days Hines reported to Mr. Thompson that he had heard me say