Early Governors' Papers

Shelbyville Decr 31^st 1820 -

Dear Sir/

On the 14^th Instant two persons one by the name of Willis Brown the other Alfred T. Watkins broke Jail and made their escape It is believed Willis Brown will make his way to Hardin County Kentucky ^where many of his relations live, and Alfred T. Watkins will go into Georgia or Ala= bama

Willis Brown is about five feet eight inchs [sic] high, well set, full eyes dark hair, a brazen look dark complected and about twenty four years of age He was Committed to the Jail of this County for passing or attempting to pass Counterfeit Bank notes- and said he was attachd [sic] to a large Club of Coun= =terfeiters in the State of Kentucky

As neither Brown nor Willis, appears to be Citi =zens of this State. The former only charged with attempting to pass Counter =fiet money, and the latter having obtained a new Trial, leaves little prospect of a successfull prosecution in either Case. It is therefore adjudged sufficent to offer a reward of $50 for each, which tis presum =ed will exclude them from Tennessee 10 Jany 1821 Jos. M^cMinn

His Excellency Joseph McMinn Murfreesborough

Reward of $50 each Proclaimed 11 Jay 1821

Kentucky Lancaster April 10th 1822

Sir.

Willis Brown, who broke Shelbyville jail Tenessee, and escaped; is confined in jail here, for passing counterfeit money on your state His trial will come on the third monday in June next; and for want of Commonwealth vs evidence; I am afraid he will be acquitted.

Having seen your proclamation and reward for said Brown; I consulted General John Adair, the governor of Kenucky on the manner, or how I should get him to Shelbyville Ten., in case he is acquitted here; he informed me that I must get a command from your honor to him, containing a request, or demand for said Brown.

Being convinced that you are a man, who wishes for all villanies [sic] to be apprehended; I therefore transmit to you this petition to you, praying that you will send the command on to me, so that I may transmit the s^aid command to Gov. Adair immediately

John Baty

General Carrol Governor of Tennessee.