The Commonwealth of Kenty
vs } affidavit & petition
William Shanks

Your affiant William Shanks would state that at the December special Term ^1860^ of the Madison Circuit Court for the trial of Criminal & penal offenses he was indicted for carrying concealed weapons and that at the March Term following he confessed judgment for fifty Dollars ($50) & costs

He states that it is true that he had a pistol on his person but that it was under the following circumstances He had a difficulty with another citizen after night who was armed as he believes and that he borrowed said pistol believing he would be attacked, and for his defense and not with an intention to violate the laws of his State, He returned said pistol next morning These are the facts and what would have been proven on the trial had it been tried He further states that this is his first offense & it will be the last, He is a young man not yet twenty years old, very poor and nothing to depend upon for his daily support except his own labor

He prays your Excellency to remit said fine and for all proper relief

William Shanks

Sworn to before me by William Shanks this 26^th day of April 1861

Att J M Shackelford Clerk
Madison Circuit Court

We the undersigned citizens of Madison County Ky would respectfully join in the prayer of the petitioner for the remission of his fine

Dear Sir

I hope you will grant the prayer of the petitioner W^m Shanks I believe the facts set forth in his petition are true Please attend to this immediately

Ed. W. Turner

[...] E Walker
Peter, M, Smith
John B Webster
J M Shackelford
John C Terrill
C. F. Burnam

Madison Cir. Ct
The Comth
vs } Petition & Affidavit
William Shanks