Dated Bassett, Nebr., 2/15 - 1839
To Hon. John H. Thayor
Kayapaha County is now under control of a mob which has now in its power three of four citizens of that country, which they are threatening to hang. It is the same mob that four years ago killed about 10 men in Brown and Kayapaha counties without trial on pretense that they were thieves. That was done under the leadership of a J. Burnham and [E?]. L. Taylor. The latter is the present leader. Yesterday a writ of habeas corpus was issued for the production of the body of C. E. Clay, whom they have in their power, but the Sheriff of Rock County was warned not to attempt to serve it. Will you order out the militia or instruct the sheriff of Rock county to call to his and a sufficient force to enable him to serve the writ, or both. {Begin note}{Begin handwritten}[???]{End handwritten}{End note}
Henry Harris
Sheriff-Rock. Co.
A. H. Tingler. - Roc
Co. Atty. - Rock Co.
Fred M. Morgan
Co. Judge - Rock. Co.
S. S. Harris
Deputy Sheriff