Augusta Ky
Sept 3d 1865
Gov Bramlette
Dear Sir

At the February term of the Bracken Circuit Court Joseph Neaves failed to appear in obedience to his recognizance to answer a charge for stabbing a man by the name of Thomas Manson — In January preceeding said term he had volunteered in Col True'^s Ky regiment & was at the ^time of the^ February term in Eastern Ky immediately in front of the Enemy — I could not under such

circumstances obtain permission to come home & attend our court — This state of case was established at this term (August) of our Court by abundant & incontestable proof, but the court decided they could not reconsider & set aside its judgment — Neaves attended the present term of the court (Having a furlough for that purpose) & was made to answer to the charge against him I will ultimately show all he has done was in self denfense — The Commonwealth
continued the case & Neaves returned to the army where he is at this time — I have no hesitation in saying you ought to interfere & relieve Neaves form the payment of said penalty — The fine has been replevied & Execution issued upon the bond & in the hands of the Sheriff against Neaves & unless you act early will be collected from Neaves — I have not pursued the usual course of procuring a petition, but make this
representation of facts upon my honor — If you remit the penalty enclose the evidence thereof to me, as Neaves is in the Army — I enclose you the summons against Neave^s sureties —.

very Truly Yours
Thornton F. Marshall

Bracken Cir Ct
vs
H. Rice Tho^s Riley & Jos Neaves
$300.
6 Sept /65