Greenupsburg, Greenup Co, Ky,
May 15th 1862,
My dear Governor,

At the present term of the Greenup Circuit Court, a judgment was rendered against our friends Judge James M Rice, George M Brown and J Davidson, Esqs, upon a forfeited recognizance for the appearance of J. B. Watkins of Tennessee ^Missouri^, for whom they had been sureties, upon a charge of obtaining money upon false pretenses. The disturbances in the relations of the states, and the war, no doubt, prevented Watkins from making his appearance, but this could not be shown, and judgment was rendered against them. I think under the circumstances, that the judgement ought to be remitted, and therefore recommend that it be done. There is great reason to believe that the prosecution against Watkins, was the result of vindictiveness, and not becuase of any actual fraud committed by him, His persecutor was a man of bad character and not wholly entitled to credit, and if Watkins had appeared and been tried, would no doubt have been acquitted,

Truly your friend,
R H Stanton

The prosecuting witness was not here at the present term, nor is was there any prospect of his being here hereafter. I would necessarily have had to dismiss the case.
R. H. S.

Hon B. Magoffin

Catlettsburg May 22/62.
Dear Govr.

I feel under obligation for your kind notice, of the petition, sent you, in favor of myself &c. as sureties of I B. R. Watkins, the respite did not reach, until, after judgement; was rendered. Stanton as you will see, asks, that the judgement, be remitted; and I hope you will without delay remit the judgement; please look at former petition on subject. the am^t of judgement. $250.00

Very Respectully
Ja^s M. Rice

Greenup Cir Ct
$3250 } For Recog
J. M. Rice & others
Iss May 26 1862

Remitted
B. M