Early Governors' Papers

To his Excellency the Governor of the State of Tennessee

The undersigned petitioners Citizens of Bedford County, humbly represents to your Excellency; That, Whereas, Alexander Orr Junr. of said County was arrested for grand larceny in September last, - was tried and convicted, before the Circuit Court; held for the County of Bedford, at December Term now past, And that Whereas the said Alexander Orr, was sentenced by said Court, to certain Corporal punishment; and six months imprisonment - and he having satisfy^d the penalty impos^d; Except the said imprisonment - Your petitioners woud solicit your kind aid in the exercise of your Constitutional priviege, to grant his release of the said six months imprisonment.

Notwithstanding, your petitioners are well aware of the great responsibility resting upon the Executive; in matters of this kind. That your duties are high and momentous,- that no trivial circumstance or the commission of high crime should meet Executive notice upon the mere representation of those nearly allied to the Culprit. But your Excellency will indulge us whilst we state that no relative thus asks an acquital. - That no motive but feelings of sympathy induces your petitioners to ask Executive interposition in behalf of a fellow being - an unfortunate youth in boyhood~

In making this address we are emboldened by following the Example set by the Court, the jury, the officers of Court, and many respectable Citizens of the County-; who was graciously disposed to ask favour in his behalf at your hands; though to them a stranger. - much more should we who have an acquaintance as neighbours with the unfortunate individual;- This Character hitherto stood unstained being reared by respectable parents, whose reputation for honesty & industry stands fair and unsullied amidst their aquaintance. - We would alone for the sake of parental solicitude and suffering present this as an earnest of our request, for the relief of distressed humanity-

But other Considerations of equal moment present themselves to our view; numbers did believe and still retain that impression that the un =fortunate youth, in whose behalf this is forthwith presented; was seduced or decoy^d; by some artful and unknown hand; to the Commission of an act, which when done, his youth and inexperience in life, soon renderd an easy prey to the laws of the Country-.

With these impressions, and under the considerations above stated, we are encouraged to ask his liberty - Placed under such pecuiar circumstances, we feel a deep solicitude in the redemption of his freedom - The granting of which your petitioners in duty bound will ever pray- &c.

Decr. 20th 1827.

George C Neill Wm Williams [Hynne Lucilly?]