Caseyville Decbr 23^d 1865
To Whom it May Concern

This is to certify that I was present and witnessed the fatal encounter between Dr R W N Taylor and John P Hall in which Taylor was Slain Some years Since in ^the^ Town of Caseyville I was well acquainted with with both parties I had met Hall on that occasion for the purpose of Settling a disputed account between us in relation to some work Said Hall had done for Me and while thus engaged quietly in Selling the deceased by His violent language and gestures and offensive action did provaoke the difficulty and after the exchange of Several pistol shots without affect Hall ran to the door of Mess Brooks & Jennings Store room forcing and entrance — and Taylor crossed the Street to Secure a Sword cane — came rushing in attacked Hall forcing him back, agaisnt the Counter and in attempting to Slay Hall — Hall Stabbed with a Knife, thereby causing Said Taylor^s death — It is my opinion that Hall acted in Self defence

Jas Rudy

Kentucky Union County

I Samuel C Hughes Presiding Judge of the county court of Union county do certify that I have known the within named Jas H Rudy, for many years as long as I have known any one, that he is a man whose veracity can be implicitly relied upon, and is one of the most prominent and useful, men we have, I further certify, that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and the within is his genuine signature — His name is at the foot of the indictment against John P Hall, as witness in behalf of the Commonwealth — Witness my hand this 27 day of December 1865.

Sam C Hughes P J U C

Rudy