Early Governors' Papers

To His excellency William Carroll Governor of the State of Tennessee.-

Your petitioners would Respectfully represent to your Excellency - that on Saturday evening the 1^st Inst one of the ^most tragical scenes ever witnessed in a civilized country, transpired, on the public square in the town of Columbia. Two of our most worthy citizens have fallen victims to the foul hand of the murderers and are no more. Five men by the name of Hardin, to wit, Swan Hardin, the father & his four sons, Watson Hardin, William Hardin, Augustine Blackburn Hardin & B. F. Hardin between some of whom and Isaac N. Porter a differ= =ence had previously taken place, armed themselves with pistols which they kept concealed and sticks, waited their opportunity, attacked Porter who was unarmed in the public square, and notwithstanding the best exer= =tions of his friends and those disposed to keep peace, while some of the others were using sticks upon him, Augustine Blackburn Hardin, stept through the crowd sought his opportunity and stab ^him dead upon the ground. William H. Williamson who was interposing his good offices to save Porter if possible & keep peace, was shot by B. Franklin Hardin in the back, & mortally wounded, of which he expired in about an hour & an half. In the affray some others who were likewise interfering to keep peace

truth that a whole community who were acquainted with their virtues, mourn the loss of the two young men who were slain. They were young men of promise and much esteemed by all who knew them. Porter has left his aged parents & a numerous train of relatives to lament his untimely death; Williamson a widowed mother & her large family of children overwhelmed with grief. We enclose you one of Major Porters advertisements containing a description of the two who have escaped. -

Columbia Oct 8^th 1825

Wm Pillow G. M. Martin Edw^d M Ford M. D. Cooper J. C. Hill Wilson White Saml Cauthers John Ferrel Hugh Douglas C. J. Noyes Ch^r Ford Alexander Ferris G Gallagher M. Rhea P. R. Booker

James K. Polk John [?] [Showp?] Thos White E. B. Dooley H O B. Newsum Joseph Hart Abner Pillow Jas C OReilly David Martin Saml M. Dorrel Robert Calvert P. Nelson David dugger

To his Excellency, W^m Carroll. Gov^r of the State of Tennessee

The undersigned sheriff of Maury County, certifies to your excellency that on Wednesday night the 16th Inst, Benjamin W. Hardin and W^m Hardin made their escape from the jail of the County aforesaid where they were confined for the murder of Isaac N. Porter & W^m H. Williamson

Benjamin W. Hardin is about 35 years of age - spare made ^about 5 feet 8 inches high, - some of his front teeth out & from late indisposition is thin in his appear= ance - They are both fair complected - W^m Hardin is from 25 to 30 years old. about 5 feet, 8 inches high. Thick set in his form, and healthy in his appearance.

Nimrod Porter Shff Maury County

Augt 19^th 1826