The governor is the chief executive of the state whose function is to administer the laws of the state. One of the activities used to accomplish this function is the rewarding of monetary prizes for the apprehension of persons charged with any capital offense who have escaped from prison, custody, or who have fled the state. This series consists of letters and petitions concerning rewards offered by the governor of Ala. for the apprehension of criminals. One example of the cases discussed in this series is a petition from the people of Butler County, requesting a reward for the arrest of James M. Coker. Coker was accused of committing a rape on Nancy Coleman. Following this action he fled the state. Citing this allegation, along with the fact that he was also wanted for the murder of an Autauga County man, the people requested that Governor Martin place a reward of $100 to $200 for the apprehension of Coker. In addition to the petition is a letter from Samuel J. Bolling recommending the reward be offered. Also found in this series is a letter from Thomas Mosley, sheriff of Madison County, requesting a reward be offered for the apprehension of Philip Pritchett. Pritchett was accused of murdering Henry Stammer in Madison County. Mosley's letter also contains a physical description of Pritchett.
