Louisville July 9^th 1864
Gov^r Bramlette

John Welch a soldier is condemned to be hung on the 22 Inst I had heard so much of the poor fellow on the 6^th of this month I went to the Jail to See him — and have a talk with him and I confess to you Sir — That I beleave Every word he says, he has told but but one tale — and tells it like a man telling the truth — He Say^s^ Some few days — before he had the difficulty — which ended in the Killing of this poor Strumpet — He Welch was in the suburbs of the City & asked the man with whom — He subsequently had the difficulty with — If He could tell him where a soldier cant ^could get^ a drink of whiskey — He was told he did not Know of any place just there, but if He would go with him He could get him some — and he could show him Some nice women. who were all right & safe — Welch says he went

went with him & got some whiskey — and had an introduction to some women — and the fellow left him alone with one of them and when He Welch went to leave He was asked to return again by the man who carried him there — and the woman also — after the laps of a short time Welch returned to the Same place and after being there and drinking freely he says he became verry drunk & he says the man Commenced abusing him and drew an axe — upon him and threatened to split his brains out he Welch, told ^him^ not ^to^ Strike him If He did he would shoot him — Welch backing and absolutely backed out of the enclosure — The fellow running striking at him. He shot at the man who was trying to Kill him — with the axe — Missing him and the ball taking effect in the woman — The whole thing was a plot no doubt to get the poor soldier to this den of whores get him drunk get his money — and swear each other

^out^ of any difficulty — that might occur the whole testimony Come from the lips of the dirtyest set of prostitutes — that Ever disgraced any Country I hope you will feel that this poor fellows case may Come under the rule — that will allow you, sir, to interpose in his case and save him from death — Good God the Idea of having such Creatures in Court to swear away the life of an individual — upon whose features is stamped — the man of generous heart and noble bearing — it is the first offence of any character it is said that he ever committed — and did not Know that the woman was hurt until the next day after it occured

Respectfully
D. R. Haggard