Louisville May 8/61
Dear Sir:

I take the liberty of addressing you in regard to a matter in which all of our family feel a very deep interest.

M^rs Caldwell of Columbus Ky a neice of my father's is now in Frankfort for the purpose of effecting if possible, the pardon of her son John William Caldwell charged with the homicide of one Woods. — of course I have no knowledge of the circumstances attending to this unfortunate affair farther than I have learned from others. But my information from entirely reliable sources induces me to believe that there is not the slightest ground to Suppose that young Caldwell pre-

meditated the killing of Woods. They were friendly, got into quarrel, no doubt unexpectedly, with each other, Woods got possession of Caldwell's cane, and not till then did Caldwell shoot — Caldwell no doubt, in the excitement of the moment, believed that he was in great danger, & hence he shot at Woods & unfortunately killed him —

I know Caldwell well. Naturally there is no cleverer young man — when he was quite young having no father no control him he fell in with evil associates, and contracted some bad habits — But he has entirely reformed and now desires to return to his native State, and lead an entirely

different life. He has been a wanderer for 18 months, being compelled to remain away from his widowed mother, who in her old age, looks alone to him for protection. I think you would do a good act if you would restore him to his mother, who seems almost broken hearted in her present condition. I doubt not if you would inquire of M^r Lannom, he could give you all the facts.

Your favorable action in this matter would never be forgotten by any member of our family — We will never cease to thank you. if

With great respect
Yr obt servt
John M Harlan

To Hon B. Magoffin

Hickman Eq. & Crim. Ct
Jno. W^m Caldwell
Indictment for Homicide
Pardon Iss^dSept 16. 1861

Petition
W^m Caldwell