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To His Excellency Joseph McMinn
Gov^r of the State of Tennessee -

Sir. I hope you will excuse the liberty
I have taken in addressing a few lines to
you in which I plead the extention of
your mercy. - I may not be particular
in stating to your Excellency the cause of
my being here, as I have reason to believe
you have heard every thing relative thereto,
and if not, ^that it will be explained to you by
an impartial representation from the good
citizens of this place. On the 5th day of Sept.
1816 I was so unfortunate as to take the life
of Caleb Hewitt late Shff of Davidson County
by one indiscreet blow - After which I
endeavord to make my escape, but was appre-
hended and brought to justice in the