What was Covey's first reason for beating Douglass?

Covey sent Douglass to collect firewood. He didn't, however, give Douglass a cart with oxen, who were experienced and broken for the task. Covey didn't allow Douglass any explanations.... and gave him a severe beating.

I had been at my new home but one week before Mr. Covey gave me a very severe whipping, cutting my back, causing the blood to run, and raising ridges on my flesh as large as my little finger.