Shelbyville Feby. 1^st 1861
Dear Esq.

I wish you to do me a favor — and will first give you the facts on which I wish you to operate. In the At the March Term 1859 a boy about 17 or 18 years old David Brown by name was indicted for Stealing a heart pin and watch. He was the son of a widow very poor in fact without any property of any kind, he had always borne a good character and we did not believe him guilty of the charge and myself. Henry Vannatter, and J. D. Montgomery went on his bond to appear at the next term of the Court. The penalty was $200 — Well he did not appear and we believe at least I have been so informed that he was persuaded to run by those who got up the charge agt him — Consequently at the Sept. Term 1859 of the Shelby Circuit Court

the bond was forfeited and Judgment went agt us for the $200 & costs.

I want you to use see the Governor and if he will get thim to remit the judgment except the costs and attorneys part. I think it was is a good case for clemency — We had no security from Brown whatever, and we only went on his bond from motives of charity — His mother was ill at the time and if he had gone to jail it would have killed her —

Your truly

T. B. Cochran

You may show this letter to the governor if you wish — He respited the judgment once for a year — We do not wish any respite — If we have it to pay we had as soon pay one time as another

T. B. Cochran

Shelby Cir Ct
$200 } For Recog

T. B. Cochran & others
Iss^dFeby 5. 1861

There is no one; not even those who had him indicted but would be willing to have the judgment remitted. There is no feeling agt Brown whatever

T. B. C.

Remitted B. M