Page 5

To His Excellency, B. G. Humphreys, Governor of the State of Mississippi,

Sir:—

We, the ladies of Yazoo, most respectfully represent, that W. B. Nelson was convicted at the last term of the Circuit Court, of Murder. There are sir in his case, many features which appeal to the pride of the patriot, the respect of the citizen and the clemency of the Executive. No charge of any character having heretofore been brought against him. His conduct as a Southern man, & patriotic Soldier, challenge the admiration of all who love lofty courage, chivalrous daring, stern fortitude & manly indepen-dence in time of war. Yet, alas, in his young manhood, he yielded to corrupt associates, who took ad-vantage of his every virtue, & turned them to his own destruction. They energised the bitterness he felt towards the Yankey oppressor, they actively stimulated his sense of wrongs against the invaders, they pointed to their heartless despoiliations,