1

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