the property for fine grading and a laborer ready

the property for fine grading and a laborer ready to reseed in order to finish the work in a single day.

Maintained Order

As to why her farm manager was armed, Saltonstall said it was “not unusual” for Spellman to have both a rifle and a handgun. “One of his duties was to maintain order on my farm...protect the farm, protect my borders.” She told the court that she had had troubles with trespassers—“I was beaten up once”—and that deer season was just a week away when the shooting occurred. “Ranee was a professional around weapons. He was raised with them. I never saw him without one.”

In addition, Saltonstall said, her farm manager frequently traveled the farm on horseback and on one occasion, had to shoot his horse when it was injured. Also, she reported that a large bear had been spotted on the mountain two weeks earlier.

In response to the prosecution’s questions, Saltonstall said she had never seen Spellman point a gun at anyone. “He said you never do that.” She told the court that she had seen her farm manager before he left Points of View on November 9. Asked if there had been any indication that Spellman expected trouble, she replied “No, of course not. He wouldn’t have been there.”

Under cross-examination, Saltonstall acknowledged receipt of a letter from the Kidwells, outlining their proposals for ending the right-of-way dispute: that Saltonstall’s gate be removed, the road be restored so as to ensure adequate erosion controls, a stream allegedly blocked as the result of Saltonstall’s mountaintop lumbering operation be unclogged, ornamental shrubbery planted by the Kidwells at the right-ofway’s intersection with Route 729 be protected and the Kidwells property rights be respected by closing their gates.

Saltonstall said she did not recall discussing the Kidwells offer with her attorney. “I was not involved in the direct negotiations.”