Covington Ky March 19^th 1862 —
Hon Beriah Magoffin
Governor &c
Dear Sir

Old Mr Main's of the County of Bracken called on me this morning, and informed me that you desired a line from me in reference to the facts connected with the recent conviction of his son in that county on an Indictment for Horse Stealing.

Young Mains took the Horse from one man and a saddle from another, proceeded with them to Maysville, put up at a Livery-Stable and offered the Horse for sale. He was pursued and when arrested at Maysville, stated he came there

in a Steamboat, and when asked about the Horse, declared that he had no Horse and that he knew nothing about the Horse alledged to have been stolen — subsequently he admitted he had stolen the Horse and expressed great contrition — for it — and took the officer who arrested him to the Stable and delivered to him the horse — On the trial the young man plead not guilty — When the verdict of guilty was rendered he seemed to sink under it —

I am wholly unacquainted with the young man, his Father is an exceedingly worthy man with whom I deeply sympathize — He says it is his sons first offense — and thinks if pardoned that he [...] redeem himself — It is proper to remark

that the Jury man did not put his character in issue —

I am unable to say anything in behalf of the young man — except his youth and apparent contrition But I commend his Father to your Kindest consideration — On his account I would be glad if you should ^think^ it fit to pardon the young man

Such an exercise of the Executive clemency, it seems to me, might be attended by the happiest results. and hence I joined in the prayer of the petitioners for the pardon of the young man — and I hope he may be pardoned.

Respt &c &c

W. E. Arthur
Atty Com'th

Mains' Case
Pen Bracken
W. E. Arthur
Com atto —