Hopkinsville 28^th Dec 1860
Hon Beriah Magoffin
Dear Sir

Judgment was obtained at the last term of our Circuit Court against John Byrd for selling whiskey without license= John is a good fellow and sold very respectable whiskey — in fact addition he was and is a free [treater] = Unfortunately John is poor and like most poor men a damnedfastbreeder = Henry states would swapp his money for John breeding qualities= ask him{ There is one thing against him= he is honest= Think of that in these times= John wants an extension or respite and he promises to come to time after that = other cases have gone up and Executive clemency

has been extended and now let Executive clemency shine in on John Byrd and dispel the gloom which envelopes him, as the sunlight dispels the darkness and he shall drink your honors health in various [stations]=

The People here are against breaking up the Government but if it is bursted they go with the South= the feeling is general but not universal that we ought to hold on until some peaceful remedy is exhausted and then take united action= demand and take half the [...]=half the property of every sort of course the Capitol is own & & C= I hope to be in Frankfort soon and see you and my old friends face to face in the Flesh

Your friend

J S Jackson

Respite 12 mos
B. M
Christian Cir Ct
Written to Dec 24
1860
Iss^dJay 3. 1861
$60
$150
$50 }

John Byrd