Early Governors' Papers

Jackson Decr 4th 1827.

Dear Sir

Having as Clerk of the Circuit Court of Madison, Witnessed the trial of Wright for the murder of Wesley Ratcliff, I am induced by the strong inter= =est I take in the fate of Doctor Wright, to press at your hands for a remission of somuch of his punishment as relates to the Branding - The Character proved by Wright and the Circumsances of the Case make it one of doubtfull manslaughter, in as much that the Jury were much divided in opinion, and while in the act of Rendering their verdict solicited mitigation of the punishment, so far as might be practicable. I believe ^that in soliciting thro inter= =ferences of executive Clemency in behalf of Doctor Wright, I express the wishes of the Jury and of many of our most respectable Citizens

I am dear sir with sentiments of high esteem Your friend and Obet Servt

Wm Harris