Early Governors' Papers

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

Dabney Wade [W. W. Wood?] John H. Gatlin A. Saind J. Spencer L. J. Fletcher Jason Cunworth John [Holeshell?] Hugh M^cDugall James White Isaac B. Lindsey Abner Herndon Adam Lindsey W^m [De?]

[illegible] Saml. [Browning?] Nimrod Porter Benjamin Jones Thomas Jones Henry Coffey Tho^s Cheatham James N. Smith Chs. A. Smith George W. Lanier Benj. Smith D. Long

The [prayers?] of the petiion granted -

Sir

To the Honorable Joseph M^cMinn Governor of the State of Tennessee

The petition of the undersigned inhabitants of Maury County respectfully showeth. that at the present term of Maury County Court one Alfred Wallis has been convicted of petit larceny on a charge of stealing one half pound of coffee The court sentenced him to receive ten lashes on his bare back. As this sentence though dictated in mercy is still severe. As the injury to individual property is inconsiderable as the criminal is the husband of an amiable and reput =able wife, the father of a numerous family, the son of an aged worthy and venerable father as he has suffered imprisonment and has incurred considerable [expense?] your petitioners hope the end of punishment is attainded that offender himself will reform. and that others will be detered by his sufferings from the perpetration of similar crimes; indeed by these considerations but him particularly through tending to the feelings of his worthy but unhappy relatives your petitioners earnestly recommend him to the mercy of the execution and pray that his crime may be pardoned and that he may be free from the infamy of a public whipping

James L. Sandford JP John Matthews, JP the first 3 are the court before [when?] Wallace was tried

James Black JP Sam. M. Dowell J Peace Nimrod Porter