Early Governors' Papers

Shelbyville Decr 31^st 1820 -

Dear Sir/

On the 14^th Instant two persons one by the name of Willis Brown the other Alfred T. Watkins broke Jail and made their escape It is believed Willis Brown will make his way to Hardin County Kentucky ^where many of his relations live, and Alfred T. Watkins will go into Georgia or Ala= bama

Willis Brown is about five feet eight inchs [sic] high, well set, full eyes dark hair, a brazen look dark complected and about twenty four years of age He was Committed to the Jail of this County for passing or attempting to pass Counterfeit Bank notes- and said he was attachd [sic] to a large Club of Coun= =terfeiters in the State of Kentucky

Alfred T. Watkins is about five feet ten inchs [sic] high, light hair, thin visage, slender stature, small blue eyes, and Roman nose between twenty & twenty six years old - and has many respectable Connections living in Alabama & Georgia -

He was committed for stealing a negro, of which crime he was convicted, and obtained a new Trial

I wish your excellency to advertise the above persons in the newspapers of the State, agree =ably to the provisions of the Act of Assembly in such cases made & provided- That said offenders may be apprehended and brought to Justice-

Respectfully your obt humble servt

William Narnell|W^m Narnell]] Sheriff of Bedford County

Gov McMinn

As neither Brown nor Willis, appears to be Citi =zens of this State. The former only charged with attempting to pass Counter =fiet money, and the latter having obtained a new Trial, leaves little prospect of a successfull prosecution in either Case. It is therefore adjudged sufficent to offer a reward of $50 for each, which tis presum =ed will exclude them from Tennessee 10 Jany 1821 Jos. M^cMinn

His Excellency Joseph McMinn Murfreesborough

Reward of $50 each Proclaimed 11 Jay 1821