Early Governors' Papers

Nashville

1 Nov 1847

His Excellency

N. S. Brown

I take pleasure in stating to you in writing the Substance of what I said to you in person before the pardon of McKay was obtained. for He was charged with negro stealing; and tryed [sic] and convicted before me - the slave had before the theft been hired to some on in Memphis his master resided five or six miles from Town McCay had several times been at the shop where the slave was at work, where some conversation passed between them in regard to the slaves emancipation, the precise purpost [sic] of which I cannot now detail - the third of fourth day after the last meeting between McKay & the slave as seen at the shopMcCay hired a horse & buggy and drove out some five miles, not so far as Whites the owner of the slave - upon his return three or three & half miles from Memphis; the negro; hailed the prisoner - who drew up his horse - the conversation which passed there was not heard by witnesses who were lying in ambush to to watching his movements- as soon as the slave arrived at the buggy he mounted unto it - when McCay drove off at a fast speed _ these were the material facts provided on trial. Altho, I refused a newtrial, My mind was not however far from doubt, as to his possible innocence; If there had been proof of his good character I would have given him a new trial-he has been in prison for nearly three years, and upon the whold, if he has proven a good moral character I am of the opinion he ought to be pardoned.

Your friend E. W. M. Keiry