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 November 11, 2025 Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives Office of the Governor, Thomas E. Bramlette: Governor's official correspondence file, petitions for pardons, remissions, and respites 1863-1867 KYR-0001-004-0466 BR9-231 to BR9-232

Petition English Version 1 of page "4": Changes to page transcript. Version 1 of page "3": Changes to page transcript. Version 0 of page "4": Empty transcript -- probably initial upload of page facsimile. Version 1 of page "2": Changes to page transcript. Version 0 of page "3": Empty transcript -- probably initial upload of page facsimile. Version 0 of page "2": Empty transcript -- probably initial upload of page facsimile. Version 1 of page "1": Changes to page transcript. Version 0 of page "1": Empty transcript -- probably initial upload of page facsimile.
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To His Excellency Gov. Bramlette.

The undersigned earnestly request you to grant a pardon to John Burnam of Bowling green Ky who is indicted in the Warren Circuit Court for Treasons, based on his connexion with the so called Provisional Government of Kentucky, as the Custodian of their funds. They are induced to ask the interposition of executive clemency in his behalf for the following reasons.

First, His former and present high character as an upright Christian gentleman

Secondly, His uniform kindness and protection to Union citizens in his town while the same was under Rebel rule, as attested by the best citizens there who know the facts

Thirdly, He is an old man, a cripple, broken down in fortune and spirit, and deeply penitent for his past errors.

Upon the departure of the Rebel forces from Bowlinggreen he went South, remained some 18 months in Georgia, and in the fall of 1863 returned home, reported himself to the U.S. Military Command only of his part, executed a bond in $10000 for his future good conduct, with ample surety, and took an oath to sustain in future the Character of a true loyal citisen, his neighbors believing he will do so, and so certifying for him.

Fourth, Upon the foregoing statements being made known to the Presidents

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of the United States, an unconditional pardon was granted him against all past offenses against the Federal Government. It has been thought that this pardon might not be available to Mr Burnam against the prosecution for the offense against the State of Kentucky, and it is therefore earnestly requested that your excellency will accord to Mr. B. a pardon believing as we do that you will in so doing bring peace and happiness to a distressed family, and in no wise endanger the interests of the Commonwealth

P. B. Hawkins Edward. R. Weir J. K. Faulkner P. Swigert G. T. Wood J, B, English R Tarvin Baker Richard T Jacob G S Shanklin W. A. Ronald J H Chandler Saml B. Thomas W R Kinney J, R, Underwood

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B. H. Bristow H, Taylor J, M, Lowry Wm Bell Russell Hawkins C S. J. F. Lauck W H Miller Hugh Irvine Jno J. Gatewood James J Miller

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I had determined never to raise my hand or voice in behalf of any one in the so called Provisional Government of Kentucky, but in the case of Mr Burnam, on account of his age, & the representations as to his present sentiments I depart from that resolution & join in the within petition for his pardon

Wm Sampson

Warren Cir Ct vs John Burnam Indicted for Treason Pardoned 28th Jany/ 64

This is an exceptional case. The Presdt having Pardoned the accused it ought to be regarded as releasing him from the penalties of treason. And to save all doubt upon the subject & efffectuate the pardon of the President it is ordered that a pardon issue

Tho E Bramlette