Cincinnati Oct. 18^th 1864
L. A. Wood Esqr
Louisville K.y.
My Dear Sir:

Understanding that you acted as counsel for the son of M^rs. Eliza Benson, who was convicted of the crime of Larceny, in your Criminal Court and Sentenced to the state Prison, where he is now confined; & that M^rs. B. is anxious to make an appeal to the Governor of the State, to interpose executive clemency in his behalf, I am induced to address you this note, to advise you of the good character, pecuniary condition and feeble health of Mrs. Benson.

I have known M^rs. B. and her family for the past twenty=four years; some fifteen years since, by the death of her husband, She was left destitute with a family of five Small children, dependent upon her for Support; by industry, economy and perserverence, She managed to keep her family together until the commencement of the present war, when her four sons went into the Service

leaving herself and her daughter alone. She is now unable to go to Louisville, or Lexington, as well for want of means to do so, as from ill health and while I know nothing about the case of her son, I am impelled Solely from a Sense of justice to a worthy, deserving and exemplary mother, grieving and pining over the misfortune of an erring, but as I am informed repentant Son, to address you this note in her behalf and ask on the Score of common humanity, that you will use your influence, as the Counsel of her Son, so far as you can honorably and consistently with the duty of your profession, to procure his pardon and restore him again to his family and friends

I am
Very Respectfully Yours
Alexander Long

Cheviot Oct 19^th/64
L. A. Wood Esq.
Dear Sir

I fully concur with the Hon^l Ale^x Long in his statement in regard to Mrs Eliza Benston and family, and join in soliciting your exertions in procuring a pardon for her son, adding that I am, and have been for the last fifteen years, the family physician of Mrs Benston.

Yours Respectfully
E. D. Crookshank MD

Cheviot Oct 19^th 1864
M^r L A Wood
Dear Sir

Having been acquainted with the family of M^rs Eliza Benson for the past twenty years. I can fully endorse the statement of Hon A Long. and Doctor Crookshank. and hope you may succede in your worthy endeavors. in the Release of William Benson. believing that he will make a worthy citizen

Yours Respectfully
Thomas Wills P. M.