I am just [added: now] informed by an express from the Governor of the state of Kentucky , that a Most Cruel daring and unprovoked murder was perpetrated by Edward mitchel [Mitchell] and John Levingston , Citizens of this State And inhabitants of Hawkins county [County] , on two indians [Indians] of the Cherokee Nation (one of the name of red [Red] Bird ) who was hunting in the state of Kentucky , On the waters of Kentucky river .

The perpetration of so [added: Such a] horrid and unwarranted An [added: an] Act is contrary to the treaties existing between The united [United] States and the indian [Indian] tribes, as also All laws human and divine, and Such aggressions Ought to meet examplary [exemplary] and adequate punishment According [added: Suitable] to the demerit of the [added: their] Crimes, agreably [agreeably] to the laws

they have, so flagrantly and wantonly violated.

In conformity to the demand made by his Excellency the Governor of the State of Kentucky , and Agreably [Agreeably] to an act of Congress in such Cases made and provided: I do hereby command you, to take the Aforesaid Edward Mitchel [Mitchell] and John Levingston , or either of them if to be found in your County, and them or either of them Safely and Securely to convey Unto the public Jail of Kentucky , then and there, them or either of them, you are to deliver unto the keeper thereof.

In order that you may be the better enabled to apprehend, take, and convey the said Edward mitchel [Mitchell] and John Levingston , or either of them as aforesaid, you are hereby impowered [empowered] to apply to, and call upon, Any officer or officers, either Civil or Military Within this State, to furnish you with Such gaurd [guard] or Gaurds [Guards],

as may be adequate and necessary for the purpose of taking, and Safely conveying them, to the public Jail of Kentucky as aforesaid. I also command And enjoin that all officers both Civil and military, to be aiding and assisting in having the aforesaid Edward Mitchell and John Levingston apprehended And taken in order [added: that] they may be dealt with as the law in such Cases may direct.

Given under my hand and seal in Knoxville this 19th day of March 1797

Signed
By the Governor

John Sevier

Order
Sheriff Hawkins
county
19th March 1797
Recorded