Early Governors' Papers

Rhea of Knoxville whom you know will present his Petition from him - you can receive further satisfaction on the subject should anymore be necessary - I hope this young man will reform and to exempt him from pain & disgrace and his relations from dishonor must be gratifying particularly when it is the ardent wish of the people and even of those whom the crime has been alledged to be committed against -

I am Sir with sentiments of high Esteem yours &c Jn^o Gardiner

His Excellency Joseph M^cMinn Governor of the state of Tennessee Knoxville

A. Rhea Esq

R^o Thiny M Nelson Tho.^s M Covey Joseph C. Strong Edwin E Booth Sam^l. Fryar James Kennedy Terrence M^cAffrey William S Howell James King Zac. Boothe A Rhea Jacob Tipton G. Wilson Robert Holt

John [N Garable?] William Lyon

From this statement of The Evidence which I have seen made out by the council for Hindman, I consider it a case of Justifiable Homecide [sic], Therefore I sign this petition.

John M^cCampbell

John S. Fulton A Hutchinson James Park John Crozier John Sutherland Jr. David C Roane Robert King Matthew Nelson Thomas [McCorry?] Joseph C Strong Edwin E Booth Samuel Fryar James Kennedy

Terrence M^cAffry William S Howell James King Zac. Boothe A Rhea Jacob Tipton James White

I have carefully examed the case of James H Hindman, as stated by his council, and believe from the laws of the country he was perfectly Justafyable [sic] in defending himself with any means in his power. that the killing was excusable and no more than any man of feeling would have done under similar circumstances W^m Alexander