Early Governors' Papers

Agreeably to a stated given by Co^l Thomas Rucker a number of the citizens of Rutherford, assembled at Jefferson, on Monday 20^th February, in order to deli =berate on the propriety petitioning the Executive, to call a session of the Legislature for the purpose of suspending in whole or in part the execution of the civil law of this state, on motion made & Seconded Charles Kavanaugh was appointed Chairman, & Blackman Coleman Secretary of s^d meeting

The object of the meeting was there Mentioned explained in a verry brief & appropriate address from the chair- after which a verry interesting and animated debate ensued-

The question, then being submitted, was carried in the affirmative by a large majority

Resolved that a copy of the fore =going proceedings be transmitted to the Executive

Charles Kavanaugh Ch.

Attest Blackman Coleman sec^r

Feb. 20 1808 or 1809

To his Excellency Samuel Houston Governor of the State of Tennessee

We the undersigned members of the General Assembly of the state of Tennessee now in session, respectfully represent to your excellency. We have been informed that some time in December 1826, an unhappy rencounter took place between Albert F Keeble and his brother in law Peyton Randolph in the town of Jefferson Rutherford county, in which, the latter unfortunately was killed

Albert F Keeble was prosecuted and convicted of Manslaughter, at the February term 1827 of Rutherford circuit court; and sentenced to be branded and imprisoned nine months.

We the undersigned have been informed, that your predecessor, has remitted so much of the sentence as required him to be branded: but in pursuance to the other part of the sentence, he has been imprisoned in the jail of Rutherford county, since the 27th of August last

The undersigned would further represent, that from the history of the case as detailed to them, by information upon which they can rely, connected with the [page damaged] quiet, and peaceable character of the said Keeble: there are many considerations, in the view of the undersigned, which entitle him to executive clemency

The rencounter took place in the dusk of the evening, in the absence of every person who could be examined as a witness. It therefore must be doubtful to say the least, whether Keeble