Steamer Dunbar
May 29^th 1861.
Hon B. Magoffin
Dear Sir

I am at Caseyville on my way to the Mayfield Convention, At this place I met a friend Mr Butler who was indicted in the Crittendent Circuit Court for assault & Battery and at the last court in my absence was tried and fined $1250. I have been engaged as counsel in for defense, the Case was tried in my absence at Frankfort on business of state, am acquainted with the facts & feel I can safely say it is a case that loudly Calles for executive Clemency. Mr Butler is a good and true man in every sence of the word and this verdict is an outrage upon humanity and in his name and in the name of his family I appeal

to you if Compatable with your official duty to release his fine except attys fee & cost — I am not in the habit of speaking so impolitic, as you know in cases ordinarily but this case is one of peculiar hardship & an outrage on every principle of Justice. If in your opinion he deserves Executive Clemency

I will be placed under renewed obligations

I am yours truly
Ben P Cissell

Hon B. Magoffin
Frankfort.
Ky.