2

Now be it known, that a certain Noah Walker of Wilson
County, having a claim to these slaves, and yet
supposing himself not rightfully disseized of them
used means and notorious means, to influence this
unfortunate man to the commission of this offence
against private rights. Said Nellums is an illiterate
man, very poor man and one upon whom a suffering
Wife & seven Children mainly depend for daily
bread - hence it is a strong presumptive, negative
proof rests upon the case; that he must have been
furnished with money for the conveying away of
these slaves- Now be it further known; that on
the day preceding the abduction of sd negroes; Noah
Walker and James Nellems were together the greater
part of the day at a certain M^r Mahaffy's-
These facts we submit, not for the purpose of thw^arting
public justice but because in hope it is not
yet too late to set, right what we your
petitioners; deem wrong - the pronouncing of this
man principle & not accessary; in this
reprehensible offence. The trial came on a short
time after the offence; thereby preventing the