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the hands of the town sergeant, but he was for a long time unable to obtain a horse or any one who would consent to accompnay [[accompany]] him—
 
Finaly he secured the assistance of a one leged Englishman (with two horses) who consented to accompany him— Several parties attempted to dissuaide the town sergeant from pursueing Johnson stateing that Johnson was well armed and would resist any force under six men— 

Owing to the difficulty the town serg't met with in obtaining horses and a man to accompnay him— he was unable to start in pursuit of Johnson, untill about 8 ock P.M [[8 o'clock]]— of the 8th inst this giving Johnson some twelve hours start.

Now sir — if the above facts are not sufficient to prove that the mass of the people were not desireous of bringing Johnon to Justice, the fact that two men were allowed to start in pursuit of him, one an old man of small statue, and the other a man with only one leg, (while Johnson is a man six feet tall and stout in proportion) I think in conclusion evidence that the pursuit if such it may be called was only a sham.   

And I am told by reliable white men who reside here that, Many of the citizens express a hope and desire [[that]] Johnson will not be caught. 

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---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-08-02 20:10:28