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Covington Kentucky
th 1861-
Mr. Dudly.
My Dear Sir,
Enclosed you will find a petition to Govenor Magoffin and a letter from me to him, asking for a pardon of a young man now in jail, convicted of larceny, and sentenced to the penitentiary for one year. I send them to you, and through you to the Gov. that he may certainly get them, and that his attention may be especially called to it, I trust you will do me the favor to call immediately on the Gov. and urge him to act upon it at once -- Young Peak has a widow mother, and an exceedingly clever, honest, and industrious woman, she is distressed beyond measure, & seems to be allmost beside herself -- I have obtoned but few signees to the petition but those are of the best men, of our city -- The Young man was in my judgement induced to do this and, it is his First, and from his present state of feeling I believe him to be amply repentant -- ask the Govenor if he pleases for my sake, pardon this man --
I would not ask it, if I did not believe the young man should be pardoned. I sincerely believe he will do right hereafter and make a good boy & an industrious man -- you can read my letter to the gov. and also the petition & better understand the case -- If the Gov. will pardon him will you telegraph me of the fact, the young man does not want to go to Frankfort if it can be helped --
I hope you will see the Gov. immediately and urge him to act in the case at once --
All are well --
Give my love to GrandMa, and believe me to be truly your friend & Relative
G. Clay Smith
Mr. J. Dudly --