Early Governors' Papers

children mainly depend for daily bread - hence it is a strong presumption, negative proof rests upon the case; that he must have been furnished with money by another, for the conveying away of these slaves.

Now be it further known; that on the day preceding the abduction of s'd negroes: Noah Walker & James Nelms were together the greater part of the day at a certain Mr. Mahaffy's These facts we submit, not for the purpose of thwarting public justice but because in hope it is not yet too late, to set right what we your petitioners; deem wrong - the pronouncing of this man principle & not accessary [sic]; in this repreh =ensible offence. The trial came on a short time after the offence; thereby preventing the assistance of this light which has since sprung up.

We are fully apprized of the facility with which petitions can be gotten up; for the prev =ention of the action of public justice; Nevertheless we hope that this, with numerous others; ere this before you; wil enable you not only to answer our prayers in compleat [sic] justifycation [sic] of yourself; but also in mercy. For which, we your petitioners will feel ourselves bound, in bonds of lasting gratitude.

Now be it known, that a certain Noah Walker of Wilson County, having a claim to these slaves, and yet supposing himself not rightfully disseized of them used means and notorious means, to influence this unfortunate man to the commission of this offence against private rights. Said Nellums is an illiterate man, very poor man and one upon whom a suffering Wife & seven Children mainly depend for daily bread - hence it is a strong presumptive, negative proof rests upon the case; that he must have been furnished with money for the conveying away of these slaves- Now be it further known; that on the day preceding the abduction of sd negroes; Noah Walker and James Nellems were together the greater part of the day at a certain M^r Mahaffy'sThese facts we submit, not for the purpose of thw^arting public justice but because in hope it is not yet too late to set, right what we your petitioners; deem wrong - the pronouncing of this man principle & not accessary; in this reprehensible offence. The trial came on a short time after the offence; thereby preventing the