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Ghent
To his Excelency Beriah M cGoffin
Govenor of Kentucky
Dear Sir
I have this morning signed a petition asking your clemency and interposition in behalf of Robert Smiley -- I have to say that I was one of the examining court and familiar with all the facts of his case. the circumstances connected with the murder it is true were unfortunate. but I never did believe nor do I now believe that Smiley intended when he made the thurst ^thrust^ with the knife intended to commit murder -- the two boys were born and raised in the same town and the difficulty was more the folly and indiscretion of youth than any malicious design to do wrong. I think young Smily has been sufficiently punished -- and I think in saying so I express the feelings of a very large majority of law abiding citizens here -- I therefore trust that you will pardon him and restore him to his aged and distressed parents and friends --
I have written this in great haste but trust that it will meet with your favourable and immediate attention
Very Respectfully yours
Smith_Wingate