march 4^the 1863 webster County ky.

Der Sier this is to inform you that ther has bin a fine assest against mee for selling in the webster Sircu^e^t Court for selling ardent sperits iwas fiend the full exstent of the law i thout that i was Complying with the law i was told that i Cold sell as law as a half gallon and not hav it drunk under my ruf i don so and kept good order a bout mee the man hoe present mee he fell out with a some of my famley and what he done was done throu spite he bought too gallens at one time and Carred it of and he never bught any mor the Court told mee if i had sold the hole barrel to one man that i was fin well for itiwas ingernt of ^not k^ knowing the law or is huldent done so iam a poor man i Cant hardley make a nuf to seport on and if i have this to pay it brakes mee up i have to by mee a horse or make nothing the gillers took my horses way from mee last fall and left mee afoot i have all ways benn a goverment man some Call them union men iam bothe i am for my old goverment and the union ther was a pertison got up to send to you and was left in the hand of the lawer with over one hurnd siners to it the Clirkes of the Court asined it seeing it was done through mallis the male s^t^opt and it never was sent the lawer is in the armney if you want to inqur into my standen inquer of S^t^anden Dockter ray can tell you he has known mee for upwards of twenty yars who is in your leglater i want you to parden mee this one time of this evel if you please and i never will be guiltey of the like a gane this is the first time i ever Cald on the govern for help and in so douing you will oblige your frend Richard Cates and Alexander Cates his farther i want you to right as soon as you git this and Direct your letter ^to^ webster County for give if you please

Pettn of Richard Cates of Carter County to remit fine

This Pettn does not show the fine & no reliable grounds to remit