Murrell leave the tavern with his flask in search of liquor. He lost no time in making his way thither, and made known his situation to his friends, and gave them the requisite instructions as to the manner in which they should treat him when in company with Murrell. Colonel Bayliss, one of these friends, put a pistol into his hands for defence, in the event of an attack by Murrell or his clan, should he be fortunate enough to overtake Henning's negroes. In a short time Murrell returned with the flask of liquor, and invited his friend Hues to join him in a glass before resuming their journey; and in a very few moments they were once more on the road.

Colonel Bayliss' Certificate.

"I have been called upon, by Mr. Virgil A. Stewart, for a statement of the circumstances which took place in the town of Wesley at the time he passed through that place in company with Murrell. Previous to that time I had formed some acquaintance with Stewart, having seen him once or twice. In passing from my dwelling-house to my store, I saw Mr. Stewart standing in the passage of the tavern; he signed to me to come to him, and, following him back in the passage, informed me that he had sought that private mode of speaking to me to prevent Murrell from knowing that he had any acquaintances in that place, for that he passed himself upon him as an entire stranger in the country, and he wished me not to recognise him as an acquaintance in his (Murrell's) presence—that Murrell was an infamous character, and was suspected of having stolen three negroes from Madison county. And that he (Stewart) had followed him for the purpose of ascertaining the fact, and discovering where the negroes were; that he had

overtaken Murrell on the road from Estanaula to Wesley, and had passed himself on him under a fictitious character, but he was afraid that Murrell might be playing a deeper game than he was, and taking him over to some place where he could more easily dispose of him. He then inquired of me if I had a pistol, and if I would lend it to him; he said he had one with him, but he wanted to be prepared to defend himself well if he was discovered and attacked; that he knew that he was risking his life, but that he was determined to discover the negroes, if possible. I lent him my pistol, and we parted immediately after. Stewart and Murrell left Wesley together, since which time I had not seen Stewart until he called upon me for this statement. I was abroad from home when they returned, but was informed by the gentleman with whom he left my pistol, and others of the citizens, that they returned together and separated there.

"These are all the circumstances with which I am personally acquainted relative to the matter; and, if they afford any satisfaction to the public, or benefit the cause of right, they are freely made.

"Given under my hand and seal at Memphis, in the State of Tennessee, this 20th day of October, 1835. [Sealed.] "WILLIAM H. BAYLISS."

The next place to which they directed their course was Randolph. When they had proceeded about a mile from Wesley, Murrell observed,—“ Come, Hues, we will ride a little from the road, eat some cold victuals, and talk a little more of the God bless us." Upon which Murrell turned his horse from the road, and Hues followed. When they had gone about fifty yards into the woods, Hues inquired of Murrell his object in leaving the road so far (for he had no idea

of giving him any advantage over him). To which he replied "That old Methodist Henning, knowing me to be a particular friend of these two young men I have been speaking of, I should not be surprised if young Henning was in pursuit of me-and if so, I much prefer his being before to behind me—if he has been fool enough to undertake the adventure. I should know better how to manage him." They had proceeded some hundred yards from the road, when Murrell reined his horse up to a log, dismounted, and made arrangements for their intended repast. He drew also from his pocket the favourite flask, and bade Hues partake with him his coarse preparation-prefacing hospitalities, however, with a pledge from the flask, which now stood full in the midst of their bread and bacon. They had been seated but a short time when was commenced the following dialogue :-—

Murrell. "Well, Hues, I think I can put you in better business than trading with the Indians." Hues. "I have no doubt of that, sir."

M. "Did you ever hear of those devils, Murrells, up in Madison county in this state ?"

H. “I am an entire stranger to them, sir."

M. "I am that elder brother whom I have been telling you of."

H. "Is it possible! I have the pleasure of standing before the illustrious personage of whom I have heard so many noble feats, and whose dexterity and skill in performance are unrivalled by any the world has ever produced before him. Is it a dream, or is it reality? I scarce can believe that it is a man in real life who stands before me. My imagination would fancy and

make you the genius of some master spirit of ancient days, who is sent as a guide to protect and defend me before all which may oppose. Sir, under the protection of so able a guide and preceptor, I have nothing to fear; but look back to the hour of our meeting as the fortunate era when my importance and victories were to commence."

M."

Sir, I pledge you my head that I will give you all the instruction which my long experience will enable me to; and I flatter myself that I shall never be ashamed of the progress of so very intelligent a pupil. Sir, I am the leader of a noble band of valiant and lordly bandits; I will give you our plans and strength hereafter, and will introduce you among my fellows, and give you their names and residence before we part; but we must not be parted longer than you can arrange your business; and I will make you a splendid fellow, and put you on the high road to fortune.

"You shall be admitted into the grand councils of our clan; for I consider you a young man of splendid abilities. Sir, these are my feelings and sentiments towards you."

When Hues and his companion had finished their repast at the log, they mounted their horses, and set forward once more on their journey. They had not ridden far when Murrell renewed conversation in the following language :

Murrell. "I am now going to the place whither I sent that old Methodist's negroes, in charge of a friend. The time has already passed at which I promised to meet him; and I fear, being ignorant of the cause of my delay, he will become alarmed, and decline wait

ing for me. I shall have to insist on your consenting to travel all night. My delay was occasioned by the following circumstances: About the time I had made arrangements for leaving Madison county, I was informed by a friend (by-the-way, a most estimable man -and one, too, who stands before the public entirely above suspicion), that old Henning and his son suspected me of being a participant in the abduction of their negroes-that they had their spies to watch my movements—and were intending to follow me. A keen conception of the old fellow's; and if he had known how to hold his tongue, and not been too anxious to let others know his thoughts, he might have given me some trouble; but I always have men to manage the case of such gentry as he and his son. Upon being thus informed of their intention to pursue me in the event of my then leaving the country, I determined at once to write Dick Henning a letter— which I did, from the village of Denmark; and which ran, in substance, as follows:-' Sir, I have been told you accuse me of being concerned in stealing your

and your father's negroes. If it be true-I can whip

you from the point of a dagger to the anchor of a ship. But, sir, if I have been misinformed by malicious individuals, I wish you to receive this as a letter of friendship. I am about leaving for Randolph, and shall be pleased to have your company-that you may be satisfied that my business is honest.' This letter I despatched immediately, by such a conveyance as that I am satisfied he has received it. And I know, too, that he will not undertake to follow me; for he will naturally enough conclude that I will hardly go immedi