Covington
19 March 1862
My dear Gov.,

M^r Ben Elliston is the keeper of the Elliston House. and first rate house it is —

During the past summer he was taken down with a feaver, & for weeks was at deaths door — Many of his best friends feared the result — During this period

for some time after he relied upon the promise of his personal friend Judge Perrin the County Clerk to inform him when his license would be out

The Judge forgot it & for some six weeks his license

expired & for this he has been indicted — See Judge Perrins Statement —

I am sure the same thing might have have happened to the best & most punctual man in the Community

I am sure too the law does not design to take the money of

a worthy — punctual upright man in a case like this — He is never behind — but always punctual — In this case he trusted to the clerk — but surely he is not to be [molested] for this carelessness — I hope you will remit it — It is a case for clemency —

Your friend
J. W Slevent att

B Magoffin Esq^r