Early Governors' Papers

Winchester 10^th June 1829

Dear Sir

It is reported here that Judge Williams has certified his inability to hold the next term of the courts, in this circuit according to the act of Assembly; and that a special Judge has been, or will be appointed for that purpose. As we are not informed who will likely be commissioned, our object in writing is to say to you that agreeably to law a special term of the Circuit court was regularly appointed, at this place, by the court at the last term, and a Jury has been summoned to attend [y?] suitors have been notified, and are preparing for it. This special term is to commence on the first monday of July, one week before the regular term. This time for beginning the court is rendered

In regard to holding court 1829 at Winchester

12 1/2

Winchester T. 10^th June 1829

His Excellency Wm Hall Nashville Tennessee

Winchester, Ten. Sept. 1^st 1829

His Excellency William Hall acting Governor of the State of Tennessee

My son Thomas P. Taul, was most Cruelly Murdered, in this place on the 24^th Instant by Rufus K. Anderson of Alabama

The Murderer and the deceased, were personally strangers to each other -

My son was confident from the first that the wound was mortal; & solemnly stated on his dying bed, that when he saw the Murderer approaching him he supposed he was a madman, and that he went into the house, at the door of whch he was standing to avoid him

That he did not see the Pistol un till [sic] it was within two or three feet of his body - He then threw forward d his hand to get hold of it - & at the same movement his right the Murderer fired - His right Arm was burned between the elbow & wrist, by the fire from the Pistol. The Murderer has fled, & I pray your Excellency, to address the Governors of the several States, particu larly Alabama to Cause him to be apprehended & brought to Justice

Micah Taul

Joseph Hill Thomas S. Logan James Dove

J Sharp JP

And on the back of which there were the following endorsements to wit

Warrant

The State vs Rufus K Anderson

Came to hand and executed and returned for trial on the 24^th August 1829 the witnesses all summoned but Joseph Bratton, him not found

J Handly D Shff

State of Tennessee Franklin County

Came Rufus K Anderson and acknowledged himself to stand justly in= debted to the State of Tennessee in the penal sum of fifteen hundred dollars - William Knox & William Dardis who acknowledged themselves to owe the State the Sum of Seven hundred and fifty dollars each to be levied of their goods and chattles lands and tenements but to be void on condition, that the said Rufus K Anderson doth make his personal appearance before the judge of our next circuit court to be holden for the county of Franklin at the court house in the Town of Winchester on the second Monday of January next then and there to answer to the a charge of the State against

him for an assault and baery on the body of Thomas P Taul with intent to Kill and not depart without leave of the court ~

Given under our hands and seals this 24^th day of August 1829 Rufus K Anderson William Knox Wm Dardis

Witness James Sharp JP. Wallis Estill JP

State of Tennessee Franklin County

I Jonathan Spyker Clerk of the circuit court for said County do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the warrant and recognizance and the endorsements therein of the State against Rufus K Anderson and that the same was filed in my office 23^th [sic] August 1829 -

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my private seal (having no official seal of office) at office in Winchester this 29^th day of August 1829 -

Jonathan Spyker Clk