Piketon, Ky. Dec. 9^th '65
To His Excellency
Gov Bramlette

An Indictment for Tippling was found at the present term of our Circuit Court against James Black — a colored man — &, although he could really have demurred the same out of Court, on account of his not being a free man — but as this might have prejudiced him in an other important matter, he did not choose thus to gratify those who were instrumental in indicting him, & went into court & confessed, & now throws himself upon the mercy of your excellency for pardon.

The undersigned vouch for his character as an upright, industrious, & really respected black man — being an exception from the majority of his race, in all the elements of a good citizen, & believeing, & knowing the liquor to have been sold under peculiar circumstances through the agency of white men takeing advantage of him, they ask your excellency to remit the fine.

Pike Circuit Ct
vs
James Black
$60,
Tipling
Remitted
16 Dec/65