To the Citizens of the County of Jefferson
Gentlemen
When the civil rights of a Citizen are invaded, when the sanctuary
of his Dwelling is beset by a Posse under the command of a man
clothed with the ensigns of authority. It is taken for granted that
the man has been guilty of some Criminal Offense against the laws
of his Country. Considering myself bound by the strongest ties of
Justice to myself, my family and society—I take the liberty to address
you this letter in Explanation of the assault made on my house this
day by Geo. Hammond—Sheriff of your County, It is not my
intention to go into a full exposition of this mans conduct but confine
myself to the transactions of this day.
About two O Clock P. M. Geo Hammond with a posse of men
came to the frunt door of my house in this place and demanded to
enter the House, his business being asked he said he had a suit
against me wherein James Rankins, John Giger and John Findly
were Pltf and myself Deft for my donation subscribed to aid in
building your courthouse. I was given the alternative either to
acknowledge he had legally Served said writ on me some time
between the 15 and last of Nov. and I was also required to agree that
I made this acknowledgment fully and with out restraint, on my
refusal he swore he would force his way into my house by Brakeing
Down my door with an ax which he had then uplifted ready to
execute his denounciation
I resisted his threats until the last extremity when by the
solicitations of some of the persons present I consented to accept of the
lesser evil to avoid the greater and to agree to any terms or do
anything he might dictate to me to say, knowing that the loss of life
would be the consequence. If my door was forced, the laws of our
Country has marked out the duty of her officers and at the same time
secured to every Citizen his civil and religious liberties and for a
violation of those rights I hold the sheriff and his Securities
accountable. When our rights are invaded it is of no Consequence to
the Citizen or subject whether it comes by the hand of an Emperor
King or Demon in office under a Republic, they are alike
distructive of all security to person and property. I do now most solemnly
declair that the acknowledgements I made to George Hammond
During the time my house was beset by himself and posse were extorted
from me to avoid a violation of my House and for the safety of my
wife and family and to prevent consequences which would have been
Dreadful in the extreme.
I do also most solemnly declare that the writ which he says he
executed between the 15th and last of November was never served on me
as stated.
Moses Austin [Rubric]
Jany-10th, 1820
Dear Emily—Copy this and hand a Copy to Dr Andrews and lett
any person see it that you think proper I hope Mr Bryan will come
and see me as soon as he arrives Affectionately Your father
Moses Austin
[Addressed:] Mrs James-Bryan Hazel Run