To his Excelllency Beriah Magoffin Governor of the State of Kentucky.

Your petitioner would most respectfully State, that at the May Term of the Graves Circuit Court, a fine of Forty dollars and the costs of the prosecution was imposed on Wilkerson Carter on an Indictment for a breach of the peace. now many of us were present and heard the evidence deposed depon the trial. There was but a Single witness introduced who swore that no blows passed, & that he saw nothing except a struggle between Said Carter & his adversary, for the possession of a Pistol. — that Carter had hold of the Muzzle & his opponent the Breech of said pistol. this was all the evidence.

We thought at the time & Still think the fine ($40) was not only onerous but very unjust & wholly unauthorized, Mr Carter is a young man just married, & possessed of very limited means, & the collection of said fine would operate very prejudicially to his future pospects in life, no & would in our opinion crush and utterly prostrate him & his little family.

Believing this would be the almost inevitable result — of enforcement, we ask your excellency to interpose in his behalf.. and extend to him that executive clemancy, (needed so much by his condition in life & the circumstances surrounding him.) & pray that the fine so far as it is subject to your control be remitted

Graves
Cir. Ct
$40 } breach of the Peace
W, Carter
Resp^t 12. mos
Iss^dNov 1. 1861

Respite 12 Mo
B. M.