Petition to Mississippi Governor Adelbert Ames; September 24, 1874

[note] Rec'd Sep^t 31 [/note]

OFFICE OF THE CIRCUIT CLERK. YAZOO COUNTY Yazoo City, Miss., September 24^th, 1874

Gov A. Ames Jackson, Miss.

My Dear Sir;

Enclosed we send Petition for Pardon of Nero Wilson. We have carefully examined and considered the facts and circumstances, connected with his case, and as stated in the Petition, and believe that his is a proper case for the exercise of executive clemency and pardon. Trusting that your Excellency will give the Petition due notice, and grant the pardon prayed for therein, we are,.

Very Respectfully Your Obd Srvts

W.H. Foote J.G. Patterson Rep— J.E. Everett, Sen'r. W. Boyd Rep—

On the trial of this petitioner, Nero Wilson, it was proven that he acted under the commands of his father, who is still at large, and is undoubtedly the Chief Criminal. I think the sentence of the court a severe one, notwithstanding I believe there

(over)

is no doubt of the guilt of the petitioner as charged. I believe the case one which will justify Executive Clemency—

A .T. Morgan Sheriff

Nero Wilson

EXECUTIVE OFFICE, STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. Yazoo County.

From A.T. Morgan & Others Address Yazoo City Dated Sept 24^th,, 1874 Received Oct 10^th,, 1874 Answered ,, 13,, ,,

SUBJECT:

Petition for pardon of Nero Wilson for Receiving Stolen Goods.

Granted Oct 13^th ₇₄ [gap]

ADELBERT AMES, Governor.

FRED. BARRETT, Private Secretary.

To His Excellency, A. Ames, Governor of the State of Mississippi.

The undersigned Citizens of Yazoo County and State aforesaid respectfully State and Show unto your Honor Excellence that Nero Wilson a colored citizen of said County was at the May Term 1874 of the Circuit Court of said County convicted of receiving stolen goods from his father in said county—and for such his offence was sentenced by the Court to one year imprisonment in the jail of Yazoo County, and to pay the cost of pro-secution—and persuant thereto is now confined is said jail—They further state that the jury that tried him deliberated long, say twenty four hours, after their retirement before they could and did agree upon their verdict—and finally rendered a compromise verdict and earnestly urged the Court for great Mercy in his behalf—that Nero Wilson was under twenty one years of age, of previous good character for honesty, and never been emancipated from service of his father and was there living in the service of his father, al-though recently married—and was usually obedient to the commands of his father. They believe that in this matter he was the innocent victim of his father, who had stolen the goods, was indicted therefor and has fled the Country. That Nero never attempted to escape or conceal our en-quire any fact he knew in the premises—and gave the chief and general information obtained about the whole affair—For these and other reasons, facts and causes they respectfully and earnestly pray your Excellency to grant Nero a full pardon and discharge—or such other relief as to your Excellency may seem meet and as in duty bound will ever pray &c

Aug 1874—

W.H. Foote Clerk Circuit Court