Richmond Ky
March 14^th 1862
Nat Gather jr
Dear Sir

I write you at the instance of one of the citizens of Madison County — Samuel T. Blake for whom I forwarded one year ago to day a petiton to His Excellency Govenor B Magoffin soliciting his clemancy in behalf of Said Blake for the remission of a judgment or so much of it as he has jurisdiction over

The reasons why His Excellency should Exercise his power in behalf of Blake has been set forth in a petition upon which the Govenor Respited the collection of said fine for the term of one year. The same reasons still Exist why the fine should be remitted only with doubly the weight when considered in a pecuniary view

It is now impossible for Blake to pay the judgment he is a shoemaker by trade having a large family dependant solely upon him for their support and in these times I can assure you they are quite scantily provided for indeed I do not know how they do to get a long — Now Blake is an honest hard working man and I wish you to call upon The Govenor and Speak in Blake's behalf and submit this to him and refer him to Blakes

petition, I should have directed this to Major C F. Burnam but I notice that the Legislature adjourns in a day or two and in that Event there might be some delay

I called upon the Governor some two weeks since whilst in Frankfort and mentioned this Matter to him & he sugested that I should write to Burman about the ^time of the^ Expiration ^of the^ respite the above is the reason why I do not address him I learned whilst in your city that you were quite ill but notice from the papers that you have recovered. I hope it is so I should have called but fearing your condition would not permit of receiving visitors I abstained. Hoping to see you in good health & Spirits.

I am very Respectfully,
John G. Cole