State of Tennessee
Robertson County Court December Term 1857
         Whereas it appears to the Court here that John Gilbert is dead, and having made no will or testament and appreciating made my John W. Gilbert to have Letters of Administration granted to him on the estate of the said John Gilbert dec'd he having given bond and Security as by law in such case is required the Court therefore Order that he have letters accordingly these are therefore to authorize and use forever you this said John W. Gilbert to into and upon all and _______ the goods and chattels rights and assets of said John Gilbert deceased and the same into your possession taken whensoever and the same may be found this state and a __________- and perfect inventory thereof make and return into our Court on both and all the just debts of the intestates pay so fore as the said estate will account or extend the ______ then deliver to those who have right client? by Law. Hence fail not. Witness R.H. Murphy clerk of our said court at office the 1st Monday in December 1857.