Henry J. Stites to Beriah Magoffin

Accession Number

KYR-0001-020-0834

Document Genre

Correspondence

Repository

Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives

Collection

Office of the Governor, Beriah Magoffin: Governor's Official Correspondence File, Petitions for Pardons and Remissions, 1859-1862

Item Location

MG19-312

Place of Creation

Hopkinsville, Christian County, Kentucky

Date of Creation

22 March 1861

Dates Mentioned

1861-03-22

Hopkinsville
March 22^d 1861
Gov. Magoffin
Frankfort
Ky.
My dear sir

At the present term of the Christian Circuit one George Long — a free man of color — born and raised in our town was convicted of a misdemeanor and sentenced to pay a fine and to three months imprisonment in the County Jail.

The offense with which he was charged was an assault upon a white man.

I am not accurately or minutely informed as to the facts — that is — I did not hear the trial. But from the statements of those who were present at the trial and cognizant of the facts I am well persuaded that George^s case ~~presents~~ ^is^ one that is entitled to executive clemency.

I have known him from childhood. He belonged for many years to a highly respectable family of this place and with whom I have always been intimate. George has always been remarkable for his good behavior and especially for his humility and politeness. His former-owners say that he never was insolent or insubordinant and I have no doubt of the truth of their statements. For many years he lived a close neighbor to me and a more polite humble or better behaved boy I never
knew. And until charged with this offense — although he has been free for many years — he has never been suspected of any impropriety even the least.

I believe the community here would be highly gratified that he should be pardoned — indeed there is a very decided desire that he should. And from my knowledge of George and the information I have of the facts, I do believe his case merits and should recieve the favorable consideration of your excellency

Very Respfly
Yr friend
Henry J. Stites

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