<title type="main">Patrick Sheridan to Jeremiah T. Boyle

MadisonIndiana October the 23d 1863 Genl J. T. Boyle

Louisville Kentucky Genl Boyle

I address you from this place though my proper residence is in Trimble CountyKentucky, You may have forgotten me, but perhaps one of your Aids who I think is named Hughesmay remember me as the man who when you first Entered upon the discharge of the duties of Your office, Came to Louisville to See you in reference to the acts and doings of the Rebellsin Trimble County Kentucky, Since then Genl I have had to flee from that county to Save my life, and living in Madison as a means of Safety to myself and family (My only offence being that I was for my Government) but before I was forced to leave the County I was Set upon by the Rebells day after day my life threatened, my family kept in Continual Dread and alarm, untill I finally did not Know what to do, I was poor living upon a small farm, prominent among the Rebells who were persecuting me and threathning my life was, one Thomas Maddoxhis threats were of such a character, that at last I believed that if Maddox could he would take my life,

and in a moment of phrenzy being driven to almost craziness by the rebells, I Sent Maddox a note to fight him a duel rather than have my life Sacrificed without having no chance for it, but all was of no avail, I had to flee from the county with family to Save them and Myself, but as soon as I wrote the note the Rebellstook advantage of it and got up an Indictment against me in the Trimble Circuit Courtand on the 8th day of this month fined me five hundred Dollars, (without Even proving that the note was Ever delivered to Maddox) I was defended by Mr S. E. DeHaven of LaGrange Oldham County Ky and Mr Solon Russellthe district Attorney here, but they had Determined that as the could not get my life they (the Rebells) would ruin me by having the fine imposed, and the little farm that I had to flee from sold to pay the farm &c fine and now I am told that my little farm is Levied on by the Sheriff and will be sold to pay the fine, and I appeal to You Genl to see if you cannot get Govr Bramlett to remit the fine fine or Else respite it untill I can have an oppertunity when our unfortunate troubles are over, to get up

the proof and Satisfy him that what I say is true, I am getting Somewhat in years and my little farm in Trimble is My all nearly, I have a wife and several small children to support, and Genl it looks hard to take my all for no other offense than that growing out of my loyalty to my Government, when goarded to desperation by a set of Rebells, intercede with ^the^ Govr and try and save my little farm Genl and I will Ever remember you with gratitude

Respectfully Yours P Sheridan

I would think that it it would be a wise & Just matter to have this Thos Maddox arrested for Slandering ^the^ Government for the acts of its Preservation, also the Present Sheriff Elizah Rea

the Union Men of East Tennessee has not been more Prosecuted than the few that are in Trimble Co. their affectation of Loyalty outwardly is only the Robe to Conceal their Disloyalty, Genl do as you Please in this matter but for Mercy Sake do not forget the above

P. Sheridan

R. P. 217, Book B no, 9

Madison Ind Oct 23/63

Sheridan, Patrick

Statement in regard to his being driven from his home in Trimble Co Ky by threats against his life on account of his loyalty to the government -- his trial for sending a challenge to one of his persecutors, where he was fined $500 & his little farm levied on by the Sheriff to pay the fine. Prays Genl Boyle to intercede with Gov. Bramlette for his relief.

2 En

Recd Hd Qrs D. K. Nov 10/63.

Hd Qrs Dist of Ky Louisville Nov 11/63

Respectfully referred to his Excellency Gov Bramlette for his consideration.

By Order of By Genl Boyle

Stephen E Jones Capt & D C P M G D Ky

Remit all except fees & costs

Tho E Bramlette Govr

Trimble Cir Ct vs P. Sheridan $500-- Sending Challenge 16th Nov 1863