Early Governors' Papers

To his Excellency Samuel Houston Governour in and over the State of Tennessee -

The Memorial of the undersigned citizens of said State, would respectfully represent ~ That lately William Walder Sn^r was indicted in the circuit court of Henderson county for the supposed murder of William B Smith. That at the last term of the circuit court for said county he was brought to the bar for trial, and it appearing the prisoner was insane, a jury was impannelled under the direction of the court to inquire into the fact, wether he was insane from the visitation of God, or only feigned insanity, which jury returned as their verdict, that the prisoner "was insane from the visitation of God" and the said fact having been ascertained from the after the defendant had pleaded not Guilty to the indictment, the court, thought it their duty to detain him until the next term for trial - We your memorialist respectfully represent, that the only evidence we have ever heard of, is of a circumstantial nature, that even if he could be tried, there is great doubt, whether he could or ought to be convicted, But as he has been found to be insane, it may be, he was partially deranged when he committed the supposed murder - We think him a fit object for of Executive clemency, and therefore earnestly recom= =mend him to your serious consideration. We are informed that in his present situation he can never be tried- nd can only be discharged by a pardon from your Excellency - Oct^r 1828.

Isaac Rogers James Lockhart Tavener Rogers Robt Marshall D. Shff Donolson Walker Shff [James Baker|Co^l Ja^s Baker]] Harison Price