Louisville Ky — June 13^th 1865
T, E, Bramlett Gov, Ky —

Your petitioners would most respectfully aask that [...]you extend to Ben Duke a free man of Col, of this place Execative Clemency & remit his bail Bond ^as surety^ in the case of the Commonwealth vs Henry King, Ben is his surety on his bond for $300 We have known Ben Duke for many years and take pleasure in testifying to you that he is a man of good moral character & an exception among free men of his colour, & have never known him in trouble at law before. & we farther state that we are satisfied that the community will approve of your action, Ben is worthey he is quite old and infirm — & has a large family to suport

James P Chambers
E, M, Stone
B. R Pollard
J. E. Pilcher
Sam^l Matlock
Jo^s Clement

I understand that Ben Duke is a colored (free) man & has a good name & is now in bad health & have heard several good & prominent citizens speak in high terms of him

J R Dupuy
Com' atty

I know Ben Duke he is a most Excellenc clever man & I concur in all that M^r. Dupuy has said

Duke has at no time since my acquaintance of several years with him, had business in court but has always been a quiet Law abiding citizen

Geo W Johnston
Ct Judge

This is the only Penalty I ever asked your Excellency to Remit and ask you to remit this for the great regard I have for the good reputation of Ben

W. A Ronald S J C

I know the Petitioner and believe he is [entitled] to [...] & pray [...][...] to him

James [Guthrie]

Floyd between market & main East side [opis] judgings at shed

Jefferson Cir Ct
vs
Ben Duke f. m. c.
$300,
Forfieture
Remitted
6 Sept 1865

Floyd between market & Main East side issue Judging [...]