Correspondence

W. G. Owen to James F. Robinson

1863-03-30

Date of Creation
March 30, 1863
Place of Creation
Hartford, McLean County, Kentucky
Document Genre
Correspondence
Repository
Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives
Collection
Office of the Governor, James F. Robinson: Governor's Official Correspondence File, Petitions for Pardons, Remissions, and Respites, 1862-1863
Box / Folder
R3-442 to R3-443
CWGK Accession Number
KYR-0001-029-0300
Rights
This image and its transcription are freely available to the public. Images appear courtesy of Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives. Transcriptions and annotations were created by Kentucky Historical Society staff, volunteers, and interns. When referencing this document, please use our preferred citation.; The use of transcriptions, images, or annotations from this collection beyond the exceptions provided for in the Fair Use and Educational Use clauses of the U.S. Copyright Law may violate federal law. Permission to publish or reproduce any material on CWGK is required.
FTP Identifier
32211502

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Dates
1863-03-30
1862
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Citation

W. G. Owen to James F. Robinson, 1863-03-30, Office of the Governor, James F. Robinson: Governor's Official Correspondence File, Petitions for Pardons, Remissions, and Respites, 1862-1863, Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives. Accessed via the Civil War Governors of Kentucky Digital Documentary Edition, https://discovery.civilwargovernors.org/document/KYR-0001-029-0300 (November 14, 2026).

[Page 1]

Hartford March 30th 1863
Govenor Thomas E Bramlett
Frankfort Ky
Dear Sir

At the March Term just past, of the McLean Circuit Court Thomas B. Lawton was convicted and sentenced to the penitentiary, for the Crime of robbery.

I was employed to assist in his prosecution and did so. And although I am convinced that in point of Law his conviction was just, there are circumstances connected with the commission of the crime for which he was convicted which appeal to sympathy — and which prompt me to write you briefly in his behalf.

Lawton is but a youth of respectable parentage and connections, and like thousands of others of the young men of Ky. was in the Summer of 1862 deluded into the service of the Confederate States He remained in the Service however, only, a month or two when he voluntarily surrendered himself a prisoner, and took the oath of allegiance to the U. S. and gave bond for his good behavior, And has ever since, in good faith kept his pledge or oath

While in the Confederate Service he took, the horse — for the taking of which he has been convicted of robbery — under an order from his Captain —

Whilst these circumstances show, Lawton a rebel and traitor —, they yet relieve his conduct of that

[Page 2]

sort of criminal and fellonious felonious intent which is the gist of all crimes. I allude to the particular fact for which he was convicted.

I have no tolerance of rebellion and treason in any shape. Nor can I perceive that in the commission of those grave offenses there is any legal justification, of the lesser offences which may be committed bythe way, or in the purpose certain of the leading design

Yet in view of the youth of Lawton the excited state of the country — The many artifices used by the older and more designing to delude the more youthful and unsuspecting, the former good character of Lawton your Excellency, I doubt not will be moved to consider the application which will be made to you for his pardon with favor

I trust Sir you will excuse me for attending this letter upon you

And believe me Ever
Your Most Obedient Servant
W. G. Owen

[Page 3]
[Page 4]

McLean Cir Ct
vs
Thos B. Lawton