Early Governors' Papers

His Excellency John Seviere Gov^r

M^r Jos. Taylor

Knoxville

Col^o Weir respecting the Election

Sir Agreeable to the pasport [sic] I Obtained from you for my self and Nicholas Mali James Campble Joseph Taylor Amos Byrd & Stephan Byrd for Exploreing [sic] the Way from the ford on Clinch River Just below the Mouth of Emery River [sic] ^leading to mero District I went with s^d Commissioners and Report as follows that from s^d ford to the Seventeen mile tree on the [now?] Road there is a Verry [sic] livel [sic] Way and the Ground Verry [sic] Good for a road and I think Somthing [sic] the Shorter way and by far the Levelist, which when Oppned [sic] will Contribute much to the Advantage of travilers [sic] -

I am your Humble Serv^t James White

March 31^st 1798

22^d August 1803

Dear Sir,

Trainum who formerly lived on Clinch, who stole M^r Montgomery horse last spring and swapped him in your county. Was seen last thursday evening at the Crab Orchard well mounted and armed with pistols, in company with a man who has lost an ear, It is conjectured they were bound for Stockdon Valley. I have heard that you suspected the same Trainum for stealing a horse from you, and that you had never yet been able to find him. I have thought proper to give you this information that you may have it in your power to use those measures you may think necessary. I will also add that from the information I have received ^it appears very probable that Trainum was lately guilty of murdering and robbing Maj^r Brashear of Kentucky near Duck river on the road from Natchez to Nashville

If this charge can be made supported against him, the person who apprehends him will be entitled to a reward of four hundred Dollars

I have thought it prudent not to circulate that suspicion here generally of his being guilty of the murder until the measures I have taken I can ascertain whether he will venture back to Clinch where he formerly resided. He is so notorious a Villain that I am anxious he should be apprehended and brought to Justice.

D^r Sir &c

Archibald Roane

Cap^t Joseph Taylor Jackson County

Cap^t Jo^s Taylor 22^d August 1803

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Recorded