To his Excellency
Gov. McGoffin
Dear Sir

The bearer Mr J. B. McGrath visits you for the purpose of asking Executive Clemency in his behalf= Mr M^cGrath like many a good & perhaps too indulgent a Father is forced to ask this of you on account of a son: who like many other boys, is very desireous of being considered a man & to accomplish all these points of course must — Carry a pistol as one of the requisits — his Father as is stated in the pition is a very "poor man — yet as honst a man as lives in our midst & is only Enabled to support his family by diligently working at his trade — & if I am any judge: I think this one of the Cases when the Commonwealth can with propriety — yield up her interest & I am quite sure — that should you find it Compatable with your viws of proprity to remit the fine that it will be properly appreciated by your petitioner — & also its numerous signers — for the further corroboration of my statements I refer you our mutual friend Colo. — T. P. Porter —

yours very Respectfully
Zeb Ward