June 24, 1708Virginia
Some vagrant Indians of the Tuscoruro nation, who used to hunt for the inhabitants of the frontier Plantations having last fall committed a murder in New Kent County; three of the persons suspected were seized, two of which poyson'd themselves in prison before tryal, the third whose name is Jack Mason was tryed and found guilty by the Jury; but upon such slender proofs that the Commissioners appointed for his tryal thought fitt to recommend him as an object of mercy, and it has been since prov'd that he was at another place some miles distant at the very time the murder was committed: but he being found guilty of wilfull murder which H.M. hath thought fitt to direct shall not be pardon'd here without H.M. express order, I humbly request your Lordps. to move H.M. for her royal pleasure therein. There are other Indians suspected who are now among the Tuscoruros, and a demand hath been made to have them delivered up to Justice, wch. their nation have not yet done; but I hope satisfaction may be had concerning them without any danger to the Country.
-Volume 23 of Calendar of State Papers, Colonial Series: Preserved in the State Paper Department of Her Majesty's Public Record Office,
Longman, Green, Longman & Roberts, 1916
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