Mount Sterling Ky Oct 13^th 1865
Governer Thos E Bramblett

Frankfort Ky
My Dear Sir

Mr James Warren of the County of Bath this day called upon me in regard to his Son— Some time since— from 6 to 12 months ago— a man named Davis was found murdered & Robbed— Wilkin Warren was accused of the Deed— having left the county about that time— Upon the Reperentation of some parties from Bath Co Your Excellency put out a Reward of $300 for the apprehension of Wilkins Warren— The facts of the case are these— Wilkins Warren— had left the County of Bath 5 days before this man Davis, was found & Davis from the proof had not been dead 2 days— Warren was always a most [though] Union man, & that section of Bath almost unanimosly Rebel, & they charged this upon Warren to prevent him returning— he having left his home because of the war troubles & hence this Reward — Warren now wants to return & surrender himself up to the Law & have the charge investigated— but neither he nor his Father also a through Union man & perfect gentleman, want these Rebels to be gratified by having him apprehended under this Reward— It is a matter of pride with them, & I thank God, they have this pride, for I know them well & know also the people, Rebels, by

whom they are surrounded— These men their neighbors in one sense of the word — not that in which the Savior used it — are apprehending his return & have their [watches] out, not only for the purpose of receiving the Reward of $300 but this they may boast one having caught him — I am in possession of all the facts in this case— am satisfied that Wilkins Warren is innocent —

I write to ask you to withdraw this offer of Reward by a Public Proclamation & I will guarranty that Wilkin Warren return as soon as he can be delivered of the same & render himself up to the Law— He is now on a trip across the plains with a wagon Train— but I can reach him & he will return — Please answer & let me know what step you will take in the case

Respectfuly

Samuel McKee