Indian Papers of Texas and the Southwest, Vol. V

153

No. 115

LETTER FROM P.H. BELL TO PRESIDENT FRANKLIN PIERCE (Copy)

Executive Department, State of Texas Austin, August 22nd, 1853

To His Excellency

Franklin Pierce

President of the U. States Washington, D. C.

Sir:

A murder of an atrocious character was committed in 1850 upon a citizen of Grayson County, in this State, by one James Tyson who, it appears, has taken refuge in the Choctaw nation. Enclosed herewith you will find a certified copy of an indictment found by a Grand Jury of Grayson County against said Tyson-also, a copy of a petition addressed by cer- tain citizens of said County to Wm. C. Young Esq., District At- torney of the 8th Judicial District, and of a letter to me from said Young, all of which I certify to be correct and authentic. A perusal of these papers will be sufficient, I trust, to satisfy you of the atrocity of the crime committed by Tyson, and the lawless character of the man. His conduct, since the murder of McGrady, whenever he has croped over on the Texas side of the line, seems to have been very insulting and threatening, showing an open defiance of the laws. I have, therefore, to request that your Excellency will in- struct the commanding officer at Fort Washita, or other proper authority in the Choctaw Nation, to apprehend the said James Tyson, and hold him in custody for a reasonable time, and until the Sheriff of Grayson County can receive him in charge. I will thank you to instruct the officer who may apprehend Tyson, to write promptly to the Sheriff of Grayson County, directed to Sherman, Texas, informing him of the fact, and requesting him to come in person, or by Deputy, and take charge of the criminal. I will, at once, write to the Sheriff of Grayson County, letting him know what steps have been taken in the matter, so that he may be prepared to act promptly when advised of Tyson's arrest.

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