His father answered the question only by bidding him go to the house. Instead of obeying, John cocked his gun, exclaiming “by God, I’ll kill that overseer!” at the same time pointing the weapon at the overseer, and bidding his father to stand out of his way.
The overseer, becoming frightened, ran to Mr. Wagar for safety, well knowing that John would execute his threat, and that separated from Mr. W. there was no safety for him.
“Put up that gun, John,” said his father.
“No I won’t,” replied John, “stand away, stand away. I’ll kill that d—d overseer!”
The father was afraid to go towards his own son, lest in the frenzy of exasperation, he should murder him. So the overseer, conducted by Mr. W., for safety, left the farm for two days, until John’s anger was appeased. Martin was then cut down by John, but was not able to work for several days.
About four or five months after this occurrence, his administrator arrived at the plantation. He seemed much surprised that Martin had been held so long over his time, and said that Mr. W. should pay him for it. He said nothing of the unjust punishment Martin had received, and whether there was ever any redress for it, I never knew. Martin left this plantation for a better one.
This was the only good act of John Wagar, of which I ever knew. Ever afterwards he was fully equal to his father in cruelty. Not many years afterwards, he whipped a slave woman to death, for taking a glass of rum out of his jug, which he thought he had lost.
This woman’s husband generally kept liquor in his house, where some was found, when search was made in the slave’s quarters for the lost rum. She said that her husband had bought it, but her assertion was not credited. Her husband belonged to a Mr. Morton, about five miles distant, and came on Saturdays to see his wife. The woman’s name was Minta; she was the mother of six children. She was whipped to make her confess she was guilty, when she was not; and she finally confessed. He whipped her one half hour, to force a confession; after which he whipped another half hour for a crime which she never committed. This caused her death, which occurred three days after.
This was about the commencement of John’s administration, for after he had finished his education and returned home, his father gave up the management of the plantation to him.
While young and attending school, his uncle gave him a beautiful little pony, saddle and bridle. Then this young gentleman must have a private body servant for himself, and he claimed the honor of making choice of one for himself, from among the slave children. Accordingly he made choice of myself.