Wm Martin on duly being sworn sais (sic) I was in the rebel army a slave. Was captured by the Federal army at Island No 10 A.D. 1862 have been a fireman on steamboats since that time. Have been fireman on the Olive Branch since November 1863 untill (sic) about the first of April /64 When going down the Miss River and about 8 miles below Vicksburg Wm Zumbar (mate of the Olive Branch) did put me ashore and afterwards knock me down without just provocation. I asked him for my discharge from said boat, when he said that he would give me my wages but would not give the discharge. I then told him that I would not take my wages without my discharge. I staid at Capt Fanges landing 18 days came up to Vicksburg shipped on the Sultana went down to New Orleans and back came up to Memphis and shipped on the Silver Lake where I now am. We arrived at May 22d, and on the 24th May saw the Olive Branch and asked him for a settlement. He said he would make no settlement with me. I then went to the clerk of said boat. I asked him for a settlement he said that he could not find my name on the books. I also went to the captain for a settlement, he said that he had nothing to do with it. I then went to a Justice of Peace and made complaint, stated my case. Said Justice got by 18 dollars of my wages when they were 30 dollars up to the time when I was put ashore.

Wm Martin (his mark)

Judgment of court in case of Martin (colored) vs Steamer “Olive Branch”, May 24 1864; Union Provost Marshals file of papers relating to individual citizens (Missouri State Archives microfilm roll F1484, National Archives Microfilm Publication No. 345, roll 177 Martin, T.- Mas).