Early Governors' Papers

State of Tennessee} Rutherford County

Be it remembered that I Baker Wrather of the County and State aforesaid; say that some time about three or four years ago, the particular date not recollected, when riding in company with Mr Peyton Randolph from Murfreesboro, I was inquired of Mr Randolph upon what term he had settled his dispute with Mr Wallace, with whom he had gone to Kentucky upon an affair of honor (Commonly called) After he had stated the circumstances of that affair, he remarked that hereafter he would rather settle his disputes in another way, that there was less danger, than with the pistol. He then gave a history of his [coniving?] some person in Davidson County, with whom he had quarreled at a Muster or some other place of public meeting - stating that he went home, and got a stick, and waited until he thought the man had got home, and that then he took a negro, to keep off the woman, went to the mans house; and Mr Randolph described how he concealed the stick under his coat, and drew it out when the man was sitting down, and chastised him. "He then remarked, that if you ever hear of my getting into [affrays?], I will take the runing start I will have the advantage" (with an oath)

As to Mr Randolphs character, I always considered him a daring resolute man, and that he would put his threats into execution, for I understood he had done so upon more than one occasion.

On the contrary the character of Keeble was peaceble and quiet,

and avoided personal difficulty and strife, rather than sought them; and this has been the opinion I have entertained of him for nine years acquaintance,

This statement I am at all times willing to be quallified to. Given under my hand to the Court of Rutherford this 21st day of August 1827

B Wrather

Baker Rather Statement Keebles case

B. Wrather's Statements