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Cowsent
have frequently seen others of the same lot of negroes
on his plantation during the last two or three yeras.
I do not know that the defendant ever had pos-
session of the said slaves, nor do I know anything
more of the matters inquired of in the Interrog-
atory.

V. 5. To the fifth Interrogatory he says-
Ans.- I know nothing of any claim to said ne-
groes, except the claim of the complainant.

VI. 6. To the sixth Int'g. he says-
Ans- I think that $865 a year, for the two years,
would have been a fair and reasonable hire for
said slaves. It is usual to hire out slavs in Pick-
ens County about the first of January. The term
of hired slaves usually ends between Christmas
and the first of January. The reason that the
term of hired slaves ends at this time, is that the old crop
is usually gathered by this time, and preparations are
being made for the new crop.

VII. 7. To the seventh Int.g he says
Ans.- I know nothing of the making of said notes
nor of the consideration for which they were given

VIII. 8. To the eigth Interrogatory he says
Ans.- I know nothing further material to this
cause. Joseph Cowsent.

Cross Ex.
Cross Examination of Joseph Cowsent,
the defendant and his attorney, Z. L. Nabers Esq.

546