The killing of Tolbert, Pharmer, and Bud McCoy by a Hatfield-led gang on August 8, 1882 represented one of the most sensational events of the Hatfield-McCoy Feud. What follows is Joseph Hatfield’s deposition regarding the affair:

COMMONWEALTH VS DOC MAYHORN &C

Bill of Exceptions

FILED Sept. 1889

G.W. Pinson, Clk

Joseph Hatfield was then introduced as a witness for Deft. whos Testified as followeth. I know the Defts. I was a justice of the peace in 1882. Mathew hatfield had charge of the McCoy Boys. I Don’t remember of having seen either one of the Defts. on Blackbary Creek the Day when the McCoy Boys was Taken from the officers. Wall Hatfield said to Randolph McCoy after the Crowd had started Down the Creek with the Prisoners. We understand that we are to be Bush whacked and if we are we will kill the three Boys.

To the above testimony of Jo Hatfield the Deft. objected at the Time and still objects. The Court over ruled the objection. Defts. excepts and still excepts.