the second altercation concerned a dispute over a cattle contract, which powell had made with a soldier, joseph wilks. powell became so violent that he was said to have tried to tear out one of wilks' eyes. as further evidence of his temperament, his accusers said that powell had been recently overheard to have criticised the governor and had also kicked and beaten a visiting dutchman. again, powell escaped with a small fine and a promise of good behaviour.