Ghent July 8 1862
To his Excelency Beriah M^cGoffin
Govenor of Kentucky
Dear Sir

I have this morning signed a petition asking your clemency and interposition in behalf of Robert Smiley — I have to say that I was one of the examining court and familiar with all the facts of his case. the circumstances connected with the murder it is true were unfortunate. but I never did believe nor do I now believe that Smiley intended when he made the thurst ^thrust^ with the knife intended to commit murder — the two boys were born and raised in the same town and the difficulty was more the folly and indiscretion of youth than any malicious design to do wrong. I think young Smily has been sufficiently punished — and I think in saying so I express the feelings of a very large majority of law abiding citizens here — I therefore trust that you will pardon him and restore him to his aged and distressed parents and friends —

I have written this in great haste but trust that it will meet with your favourable and immediate attention

Very Respectfully yours
Smith_Wingate