Early Governors' Papers

Kingston 15^th 1818 ~

Honoured Sir, I was [desired?] to have A Petition for a M^r William Starne A Gentleman who lives in Georgia and has Had the Misfortue to purchase A Girl of 6 A daughter of a Daniel Scott A [page damaged] His Christian name I dare say Misses M^cMin Can tell you all about the Family (I have just found out his Name have Inserted it) - this Kindred is a Most Notorious Villian in My Opinion, and Maryan Neal as she has bin [sic] called [damage] is as Great. A Villiness, as he is A Villian, I dont know [page damaged] far it Might be in your Power to Aid this Unfortunate [page damaged] in Bringing them to Justice, it Appears to me that [page damaged] Villians ought to be Brought To Justice, and have [page damaged] if it is your Power to Give ^Offer A Reward that you will [page damaged] More than Willing, to. Exert your Authority, in Bring [page damaged] Such Attrocious Offenders to Justice, I feel for my [page damaged] as though Every thing that Can be done With [?] Ought to be done, to put an End to Such Vilinous [page damaged] We have Given 2 Men that have Found the Girl one [page damaged] dollars (I Beleive) [sic] for their Trouble I Sincerely Hope [page damaged] it will be in your power to Offer Such Reward as [page damaged] Insure Success in Restraining the Culprits. this [page damaged] Handed me by M^r Starne. the unfortunate Purchaser [damage] is no [damage] but Edward Kindred and Mary have [damage]

preface long, when in the conclusion I will renew my old application for the appointment in the Staff of State ~

At this time I am resolved in combining all the might that I can by possibility muster. Governor you can assist me up the rugged hill of life, and I will hope a good elevation. If the Governor can by Mr Laughlin send the Paper, I will be extremely gratified, if not I will believe he has done proper in yet retaining it ~

A few days since I was in Nashville, and had the pleasure to see Mrs M^cMinn, and Judge White's family, - all were well -

Please present me to Major Graham most cordially ~

I am most sincerely your friend, and most obt servant

Sam Houston

His Exy Jos. M^cMinn Murfreesboro