Early Governors' Papers

To his Excellency the Govenor [sic] of the state of Tennessee the Humble petition of us here unto enered [sic] - Humbly showeth that Hiram Clarke was convicted for feloniously Stealing (one Quarter of a Dollar.) at the circut [sic] cour [sic] held in Jonesbr^o. first ju^dicial ^circuit of the state and is now under [instance?] of the Punishment anexed [sic] there to.

The Petitions for then showeth that the said Hiram Clarke is now about 20 years of age of Respectable connections and if your Excellency would Exercise that Gratious Mercy which the Constitution (have rested in you toward though who are [unfortunate?] to incur the [?] of the [low?] it may be the means of teaching him a lesson equal to that if corporal punish ment was [inflicted?], to guide him thro the paths of [Honesty?] and [virtue?] your petition ner [sic] firsthadn showeth that this is the first offence which the law has taken [?] [?] of for the [Exercise?] of your power in granting a pardon to this [unfathomable?] young man your Petitioners [?] in [duty?] [County?] to pray &c

Petition for a Pardon for Hiram Clarke Washington County

Pardon 12 Sept. 1816 -