Early Governors' Papers

To His excellency William Carroll Governor of the State of Tennessee.-

Your petitioners would Respectfully represent to your Excellency - that on Saturday evening the 1^st Inst one of the ^most tragical scenes ever witnessed in a civilized country, transpired, on the public square in the town of Columbia. Two of our most worthy citizens have fallen victims to the foul hand of the murderers and are no more. Five men by the name of Hardin, to wit, Swan Hardin, the father & his four sons, Watson Hardin, William Hardin, Augustine Blackburn Hardin & B. F. Hardin between some of whom and Isaac N. Porter a differ= =ence had previously taken place, armed themselves with pistols which they kept concealed and sticks, waited their opportunity, attacked Porter who was unarmed in the public square, and notwithstanding the best exer= =tions of his friends and those disposed to keep peace, while some of the others were using sticks upon him, Augustine Blackburn Hardin, stept through the crowd sought his opportunity and stab ^him dead upon the ground. William H. Williamson who was interposing his good offices to save Porter if possible & keep peace, was shot by B. Franklin Hardin in the back, & mortally wounded, of which he expired in about an hour & an half. In the affray some others who were likewise interfering to keep peace

were severely injured by sticks. In an instant after the horrid deed was perpetuated, Augustine Blackburn Hardin, mounted his horse with a loaded pistol in each hand, and precipitately made his escape. Franklin Hardin was seized by a reputable citizen & was rescued at the point of a loaded pistol by his brother Watson Hardin. Diligent pursuit has been made after them but they have not yet been taken. Swan Hardin, Watson Hardin & William Hardin have been arrested and are now in close jail at Columbia- where they will proba= =bly remain & await the just sentence of the law. After an outrage like this, seldom equalled even the savage state, much less in a country like this, where it our pride and our boast that we live in a land of laws- and the offending notwithstanding the vigilance and great reaction of the community to apprehend & bring them to Justice, have escaped, We submit to your Excellency the propriety of offering a suitable reward on the part of the state- to have the said Augustine Blackburn Hardin & Franklin Hardin taken and delivered up to the officers of Justice. Maj^r Joseph B. Porter the father of one of the unfortunate young men who was slain has offered a reward of $300. for their apprehension. An indignant com= =munity have voluntarily subscribed upwards of $1200.- for the same purpose,- and if deemed proper by your excellency and within your power, we confidently appeal to your unbiased judgment and well known character as a pubic officer & submit entirely to you the course you may think proper to pursue. We may say we believe with