Letter from J. M. Patrick to Mississippi Governor James L. Alcorn; April 16, 1871

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Letter from J. M. Patrick to Mississippi Governor James L. Alcorn; April 16, 1871

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People

Alcorn, J. L. (James Lusk), 1816-1894 Hewson, H. F.Patrick, J. M.

Events

Criminal Procedure Criminal Procedure--Arrest Criminal Procedure--Convicted

Organizations

Courts and Judicial Systems Courts and Judicial Systems--Circuit Courts Courts and Judicial Systems--Grand jury Mississippi--Executive Department

Occupations

Law Enforcement Law Enforcement--Detectives Secretaries

Places

Mississippi--Hinds County. Jackson Mississippi--Tishomingo County. Burnsville

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Burnsville Miss. April 16,^th 1871

To his Excellency J,, L,, Alcorn
Jackson Miss

Dear sir

Of my own knowledge I do not know the names of the Indviduals of the parties who are prowling about in disguise though I am satisfied of several of the men. I could have them convicted at circuit court If the Law was not defective in regard of haveing witnesses brought before the grand Jury, when court comes on the parties take to the woods and Evade the Summons from the Grand Jury till court Is Over. they then come in and there are nothing further done. The law should be So made as to leave a Supena at the house of the witness and If he fails to come up, there Should be a heavy fine against him, as the Law now stands there are no penalty If the witness fails to come up, and it is Imposible to arrest him as he is generally in the woods. I have seen the workings of this Law too often. If I had the right to have witnesses Supenied before court to go before the

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^Grand Jury^ and a heavy penalty for refusing to go I have no doubt but I cold Succeed in convicting Several of the parties

This matter is causing considerable Excitement In the country I believe my Life would be in danger all the time had not I too many friends for the Rascals. We have many good citizens in this Section and as a general thing they all Sustain me In my course. I am going to prefer charges against a member of our Lodge In the Premises it may be something of Importance will develop its Self In the case If so I will let you know all about it. If you Send any person to investigate the case, I am Liveing in Burnsville and will render all the assistance in my power but the whole matter must be very private I do not know that I am able to give you alist of persons to serve in the Malitia at this ^time^. All information So far as I know whenever required will be cheerfully communicated. And believe me Sir with the highest Respect to be your most Obd humble servant.

J. M. Patrick

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PRECIS.
[gap]

No'.

Executive Office,
State of Mississippi,
County of Tishomingo

From J. M. Patrick
Address Burnsville
Dated April 16, “71.
Received “ 21, “71
Answered

[Jury?] knows the names of prowlers but owing to defects in the law is unable to apprehend them. Intends preferring charges against a member of his lodge will render all information and assistance in his power

JAMES L. ALCORN,
Governor.

H. F. HEWSON,
Private Secretary.