Early Governors' Papers

Know all men by these presents that we Thomas Swann Willie Blount and Bennet Searcy all of the State of Tennessee are held and firmly bound unto John Sevier Governor of the state aforesaid on the penal sum of Ten Thousand Dollars, to which payment well and truly to be made we and each of us bind ourselves, our heirs Executors and administrators firmly by these presents, Sealed with our Seals and dated this second day of June One thousand Eight hundred & seven.

The Condition of the above obligation is such that whereas Thomas Swann is this day duly appointed Clerk and Master on Equity for the District of Robertson; now if he shall well and faithfully behave and demean himself in the safe keeping of the papers and records belonging to the said office and in all things to do and perform ll things enjoined on him by law in the execution of the said office then this obligation to be void, otherwise to be & remain in full force & virtue

Tho Swann Seale Willie Blount Seal [R?] Searcy Seal

Attest Tho: Emmerson

Nashville June 12^th 1816.

Dear sir,

Inclosed you will receive a copy of judgment of the Davidson Circuit court against William Lashley for horse stealing; you will also secure a letter from Judge Searcy to yourself, and one from Judge Stewart to me, from which you will discover that William Lashley, is a fit subject for executive interposition; he has requested me to petition you for a pardon, you will consider this as an application for that purpose - no person here wishes him pun= ished, although his guilt is manifest, he is an object of universal commiseration he is young was seduced by an experienced villain, he is a cripple and unable to walk a formal petition signed by him is deemed unnecessary; at any rate it is impracticable to obtain it, as I am confined to my bed by sickness - You will be so good as to enclose his pardon to me (if granted) by mail, as soon as practicable, I wish it done shortly, as I shall soon leave home, if able to ride for the recovery of my health. yrs respectfully

Felix Grundy

Nashville Jany 12^th 1818

Sir- Before you receive this letter, you will have heard of the death of Judge Searcy

The circuit Court of Montgomery County sits on the third Monday in Febuary next, and you will have but little time to reflect on who shall be his successor-

There is no person qualified for the appointment in the circuit, except P. W. Humphrys Esqr, and he would not be likely to accept the office if offered to him= M^r Mack of Maury County is a good lawyer, and a man of merit= I can assure you that he will accept the appointment if offered to him, = I believe it would be an appointment that would meet the appro bation of both the publick and the barr