On the 24th inst [instant], a most cruel and brutal murder was committed in this ( Weakley Co [County] ) by William Dunn on the body of Benjamin M Travis __ the particulars are briefly these__Dunn (in company with a third person) met Travis (aged about 20) in a neighborhood road, and in a very friendly manner requested Travis to drink with him, which the latter did__ Dunn again insisted that Travis would take another drink, which the latter proceeded to do, when Dunn, immediately announced his interests on to whip Travis__ Travis had set a [unclear: gun ] by the side of a tree, which he happened to have with him__ which Dunn seized and broke Travis' skull, and otherwise brutally mangled him__ Dunn then cut his throat__ and mounted his horse and fled. These are the facts, as found at the inquest. Previous malice was also proved. the jury of inquest returned a verdict of murder__ Dunn has fled the county, and as the relatives of the deceased are poor; it is respectfully submitted whether a [unclear: reward ] should not be offered by your Excellency for Dunns, apprehension.

Said William Dunn is about 28 years of age, 5 feet, 9 or 10 inches in height heavy built weighs about 175 pounds. has a round face and a smiling countenance, light hair, gray or hazel eyes, swarthy complexion__ talks and laughs freely, and is very profane

Very Respectfully

William B. Blakemore

coroner of Weakley County

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[added: Dresden Te [Tennessee] 29th June]

To His Excellency Aaron V Brown Govr. Nashville Tenn [Tennessee].