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 November 11, 2025 Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives Office of the Governor, James F. Robinson: Governor's Official Correspondence File, Apprehension of Fugitives from Justice Papers, 1862-1863 KYR-0001-033-0049 R3-82 to R3-83

Franklin, Simpson County, Kentucky Franklin, Simpson County, Kentucky 1863-07-11 Correspondence English Version 1 of page "4": Changes to page transcript. Version 1 of page "3": Changes to page transcript. Version 0 of page "4": Empty transcript -- probably initial upload of page facsimile. Version 0 of page "3": Empty transcript -- probably initial upload of page facsimile. Version 1 of page "2": Changes to page transcript. Version 1 of page "1": Changes to page transcript. Version 0 of page "2": Empty transcript -- probably initial upload of page facsimile. Version 0 of page "1": Empty transcript -- probably initial upload of page facsimile.
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Franklin Ky, 11" July 1863, Gov James. F. Robinson, Frankfort Ky Sir,

During the early part of last Winter, a most cruel and malicious murder was committed in this (Simpson Co) on the person of Mike Shawler by one John J. Bell, who has Since fled & is now at large & a fugitive from Justice -- The wicked & cruel circumstances attending the murder, ought to induce your Excellency to offer a reward for the apprehension of the guilty perpetrator of the crime -- the poverty of the Decd's family renders it impossible for them to offer a reward, and without it, in all probability

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will never be brought to Justice -- I hope therefore, your Excellency will offer a reasonable reward for the apprehension of said Bell --

Bell is about 29 years old, Spare made, light hair, about 5 feet 11 inches high -- inclined to be Stooped Shouldered -- appearance of being disipated -- very quiet, & never talks unless spoken to, and his Eyes appear to be defective --

Wm Kidd County Court Judge, Simpson co

I, as County attorney, had occasion to investigate the facts of the foregoing case of murder, & Know it was cruel & without any circumstance of mitigation -- & Join in asking the Govr to offer a reasonable Reward -- Wm W. Bush

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James W. Tate, asst. Secr'y State,

If the Govr offers a reward Send me a paper containing the proclamation immediately, and I will have Some Notices Struck -- from it --

Wm W Bush

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Simpson Co.

$200. Reward for Jno. J Bell for murder of M. Shawler IssdJuly 13. 1863.

Reward to be given send copy as requested.