1

John Sevier Governor and commander in Cheif [sic]
in and over the State of Tennessee

To all to whom these presents shall come Greeting

It is made known to me that at the last Superior Court
Held for the district of Mero at ^the town of Nashville, a Certain William
Sutherland was Indicted on a charge of feloniously [stealing?],
taking, and carrying Away, two negro Slaves, the property of
Captain Donohoo, for which felony he was found Guilty,
And sentence of Death ^have passed on him, which sentence
Was to be put into execution on the 20th ^day of december (instant)

Now know ye, that a number of respectable Citizens
of this State, have represented to me, that the said William
Sutherland have heretofore sustained, a fair & respectable
Character, and pray that mercy may be extended towards him,
and being ever desireous to extend mercy and clemency to all
those who may be fit objects to obtain ^& receive the same, I do hereby
Grant a pardon to & reprieve ^to the aforesaid William Sutherland
and consign to oblivion the Crime & felony aforesaid -

Given under my hand & seal in Knoxville the 12th day
of December Anno Dom, 1797.

By the Governor.