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Bowling Green th 1861
Dear Sir:-
The only appology I have to offer, for prsuming to intrude myself upon you at this time, is a sense of manly duty, the offspring of the higher & holyier impulses of my nature, bubling up fresh from the deepest fountains of my soul, utterly free from all interested motives, other, than an anxious desire on my part to "Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's by speaking a gentle word &, recommending Rufus Jones (who has been sentenced to four years imprisonment in the penitentiary of the state for killing of young Jenkins) as an object worthy your kind consideration --
You will pardon me Honored Sir, for presuming to take this step, but having made myself more or less familliar with the circumstances & facts connected with this dificulty, I feel certain that could all the circumstances & facts, connected with the case, have been brought before the
the court, no honest Jury with sane minds, would, or could have ever gotten their consent, to hold him responcible for the deed, & should it be congenial with the spirit of your Honors feelings, & not in violation of your Official position, duty or Oath, his Liberty at your hands, will recuse the warrant of probation of mercy of the most Respectable & Influencial citizens of the community & ^be^ gratefully remembered to the latest hours of life, by the young, the generous, the high toned &
Trusting that your generous heart will fully comprehend, & appreciate the motives which prompted this appeal.
I have the honor to remain
Very respctfully
Your friend &c
S. K. Van Meter, M. D.
His Excellency Governor McGoffin