We the undersigned citizens of Fairfield District being acquainted with the character of a negro man slave named Ambrose (lately deceased) the property of Berryman Burge do certify that the said slave Ambrose has been in the woods as a runaway for upwards of a year previous to the time of his death. He was a fellow of desperate character and deemed capable of any act of villainy. He had in his possession while he was out as a runaway a musket and it is believed was provided with ammunition. He frequently expressed determination not to be taken and that he would kill or be killed rather than be apprehended. We believe that he was in the constant practice of stealing in the neighborhood, of breaking into houses, killing hogs, poultry, &c. He was strongly suspected for burning the [?]ing house of Maj'r Willis Whitaker, for stealing leather from Maj'r Whitaker and Isaac Arledge[?] and we believe from many facts which have since transpired that the suspicion was well-founded. It is reported & believed that said Ambrose threatened to take the life of Dr. Jno. Milling & Capt. W. Whitaker Jr. We also believe the said negro stole from the gin house of Maj'r Whitaker a large quantity of cotton at different times, and that he broke open the meat house of Col. Thos. Williamson and took from it a quantity of bacon. We are well satisfied that said Ambrose has used means to induce many negroes in this section of the country to run away and was regarded as the leader of a gang or company of runaways. In short the subscribers cannot enumerate the many villainies, robberies and desperate acts of which we believe the said Ambrose to have been guilty. We are satisfied from his desperate and dangerous character that he could not have been taken by the usual means and are certain that his life was not wantonly taken. We are of opinion that under similar circumstances of aggravation it would have been considered by any good citizen his duty to kill the said Ambrose, rather than permit him to escape. The safety of the property, houses and lives of ourselves and fellow citizens loudly called for and required the apprehension of said negro dead or alive. October 1, 1828. Thos. C. Bryant