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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