In Common Law Book D, it is reported that Nelson was charged with "threatening injury to the person and property of William Pettit." Nelson was ultimately found guilty of the charge and ordered to "receive 39 strikes, administered immediately by the county jailer." He was reported to have been so "lutulent and vicious," that he was ordered to either be removed from the state of Virginia, or his enslaver had to enter into a bond to ensure his future good behavior.
Lucy McClanahan's will requested Milly and Nelson, as "elder servants," had a sufficient amount of money retained to support them "as long as they live."