^To^ His Excellency Beriah Magoffin Govenor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Dear Sir,

We the undersigned, citizens of Caldwell County Ky have long known Thomas B. Wadlington, to be a true hearted, good citizen, known & noted for his industry & his orderly & peaceable conduct. The difficulty in which he was engaged with Milton A. Cartwright, did not appear to us, to be of his own seeking, nor are we satisfied nor do we believe that the case was fairly presented to the Jury as it actually occured. We hope your Excellency will review the case and give the poor man the benefit of every doubt & we desire that his case may be Judged of in mercy & regarded with favor. And that your Excellency will take into consideration evey circumstance, that ought to operate in his behalf. And we desire that your Excellency may & will be persuaded, that it is consistent with your duty to extend to him Executive Clemency, and that his life may be spared, either by a full pardon or by a commutation of his punishment.

Jany 22^d 1861,
Yours respectfully

Simeon Smith Says he was Preasant when the above Names was signed to the above Petition and they was Asighned by there consent this Jan the 27^th 1861

Simeon Smith

Sworen to before me this Jan the 27^th 1861
W E Mitchenson D C,