Correspondence

Jo. G. Wilson to Thomas E. Bramlette

1865-05-18

Date of Creation
May 18, 1865
Place of Creation
Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky
Document Genre
Correspondence
Repository
Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives
Collection
Office of the Governor, Thomas E. Bramlette: Governor's official correspondence file, petitions for pardons, remissions, and respites 1863-1867
Box / Folder
BR14-26 to BR14-27
CWGK Accession Number
KYR-0001-004-1913
Rights
This image and its transcription are freely available to the public. Images appear courtesy of Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives. Transcriptions and annotations were created by Kentucky Historical Society staff, volunteers, and interns. When referencing this document, please use our preferred citation.; The use of transcriptions, images, or annotations from this collection beyond the exceptions provided for in the Fair Use and Educational Use clauses of the U.S. Copyright Law may violate federal law. Permission to publish or reproduce any material on CWGK is required.
FTP Identifier
32204800

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Dates
1865-05-18
1865-04
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Citation

Jo. G. Wilson to Thomas E. Bramlette, 1865-05-18, Office of the Governor, Thomas E. Bramlette: Governor's official correspondence file, petitions for pardons, remissions, and respites 1863-1867, Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives. Accessed via the Civil War Governors of Kentucky Digital Documentary Edition, https://discovery.civilwargovernors.org/document/KYR-0001-004-1913 (November 12, 2026).

[Page 1]

Louisville Ky
May 18. 1865
Gov Bramlette
Dear Gov

Allow me to introduce to you Mrs Charles Selvage who comes to you upon a painful mission. She visits you to beseech the pardon of a brother, who has but just returned to the bosom of a now sorely afflicted family, after an absence of more than three years in patriotic service of his country. I pray you, Governor, grant her request and give to Edward Mitchell your full pardon.

This young man was among the first in this State to answer to the call of the Country and enlisted a private in Company B of the "Louisville Legion", served his term faithfully and when mustered out at once returned to peaceful pursuits. He was always a good steady and true soldier, ever ready to respond to the call of duty and among the bravest in

[Page 2]

battle. He was full of life and ever sober the laughter provoking messmate. A temperate youth he was ever a favorite of his officers This is the character of this young soldier as detailed to me by Capt John. M. Huston of the regt. than whom there is no more truthful man.

Young Mitchell was mustered out with his regt a few months ago and until Election day in April last had never a difficulty. On that day he was pursued withersoever he went, — to poll after poll as well as other places —, was abused and threatened and at last was compelled to slay his pursuer, a man named Watson, after having been assaulted. I have had some talk with you upon this subject: these returned soldiers must be allowed to protect themselves.

MrsMitchell Selvage will present you with two petitions, one signed by part of the jurors who tried Mitchell; and one, signed by citizens and a large majority of our Police who I am led to beleive would not ask that

[Page 3]

a vicious man should be turned loose upon the community. But be this as it may, Mitchell is a youth of good character not in the habit of being engaged in broils and difficulties, and did not act in this case until after being pursued, abused and assaulted by a man far his superior in physical power.

I reiterate my earnest hope that you will permit his sister to return to the city with your pardon

I am very truly
Your Friend
Jo. G. Wilson