Louisville 27^th Nov^r 1865
Governor Bramlette

I send herewith duplicate of papers enclosed on tuesday of last week which I suppose were lost in the conflagration of the offices, or mislaid in the confusion consequent thereon —

I defended the prisoner without fee or reward, or the hope or promise thereof I do not on my conscience as a christian man believe he ought to have been convicted on the testimony — But your Excellency was lawyer long enough to know our partiality four for our clients' causes, and that ^we^ abate nothing or our zeal for our charity clients, but rather increase it, though "the poor we have always with us."

I would have taken down the testimoney and sent with this petition, but suppose it unnecessary as the Jury who found the Verdict, voluntariliy recommend the accused to your Excellency's Clemency

I beseech your Excellency to interpose in behalf of Patrick Welch, for I do assert on my faith, that in my long experience I never saw a conviction that presented stronger claims on the exercise of the prerogative of mercy —

I trouble your Excellency with great reluctence — and because I have not done so often before, I am encouraged to hope for a favorable reponse to this appeal — But come what will of this,

I remain your Excellency's deeply
obliged & verry humble
serv^t
Tho. W. Riley

I presided at the trial of the Cause referred to in the foregoing letter of the counsel, and think it a proper case for the E exercise of Clemency And unite with the Jury in recommending Patrick Welch to your Excellency's Clemency

Geo. W. Johnston
ct Judge