3

was not urged in his own defence to take the
life of [Peyton Randolph|Randolph]]. But a minute detail of
the facts we are assured, go strongly to show
that Keeble had reasonable ground to believe, the
killing of Randolph at the time, was a necessary
act of self defence. If so, he ought not to suffer
punishment. Doubt in such cases, from the
humanity of the law, being equivalest to acquital

The undersigned would also represent,
the costs already incurred, from the trial and
conviction of Keeble are very great, and a longer
confinement in jail will increase these costs.

That Keeble has a wife and two children
dependent upon his exertions for a support.
And his imprisonment the nine months,
will deprive a wife and two children,
upon whom no blame can be attached whatever,
of the support and protection of a Husband
and Father. Imprisonment when it is
a punishment alone to the guilty ought in many
instances to be inflicted: but when those who
are not only innocent, but helpless also, and
whose situation excites feelings of sympathy
of the humane and benevolent, must suffer
equally, if not greater than the guilty by imp=
=risonmnent: we deem it a punishment of
very doubtful policy, and perhaps ought
never to be inflicted, unless upon very incorrigible
offenders, whose liberty might endanger the
peace and happiness of society.

Actuated with those [?], as well as from the
consideration, that Keeble has been highly recom=
=mended by his neighbours and acquaintances
to your immediate predecessor, as a young
man of good charater and standing, of peaceable
and quiet department, to which we refer
your excellency. We also unite with
those in requesting your excellency to exercise