Early Governors' Papers

Knoxville 30^th April 1803

Joh

Sir,

M^r John Sevin who has resided for some time [?] Grainger County in this State called on [?] today requesting me to write to you [on?] subject interesting to him

He states that he was in Charlestown last Winter with a drove of cattle, and left that place in March and that a murder and Robbery was committed while he was in that Country. He has been informed since his return that a publication is made in some of the papers stating that he is suspected to be the perpetrator of the murder. He avows his innocence and [damage] to meet the charge if any will be [legally?] made against him and for that purpose would be willing to attend at any time and place ^[in?] your state which you might be appointed on giving him sufficient time, and notice, and would desire all concerned to appear that a full and fair investigation might be made or at least it is his wish that his place of residence should be made known to you that if such a charge be seriously made it may be known where he may ^can be found to Mr. Sevin says he intends to go to Ireland the ensuing fall and is not willing anxious that chara innocence should be evinced before that time

I have the Honor &c

Archibald Roane

His Excellency The Governor of South Carolina