Early Governors' Papers

Knoxville 7 April 1797

Dear Richard

The prisoners had like to have made was near making their Escape by the Assistance of files which I suppose they had been furnished with by some of their own Class, they had cut the Irons off and was only waiting an opportunity to clear themselves.

Suffer me my D.^r Sir to intreat of you to give strict orders to your the guard to be very watchful over the prison, both day and night, and suffer no person to Visit or speake [sic] to the prisoners except but in presence of the sheriff or Jailer. I know sir this is imposing on your good nature disposition to oblidge [sic], but beg leave to remark, that except you lend me your assistance in this particular, I see that these scoundrels is to make their escape, which I ^am sensible you dont wish they should do be done

I am D.^r Sir your obed^t serv^t J Sevier

Cap^t ^Wm Richard

Copy of letter sent to Cap.^t W.^m Richard

7 April 1797

No 2

Recorded