2

Were it necessary in this case of John Bowden
I could procure hundreds to express
to your excellency their desire that
this old man should not be corporally
punished. As to his imprisonment
I think tho one of the counsel of the
[?], that it would be just & politic
that he should suffer it

If in any case
from its peculiar circumstances, a criminal
should excite the sympathies of the public
in his behalf, his punishment cannot
deter others from the commission of
like offense, & therefore the great object
of the criminal law cannot be
secured in the chastisement of such
an individual.

I assure yr Excellency
that neither Mr. G. nor myself, are
actuated by any other consideration
in this business than a regard for
the female part of the family of
Bowden, & the earnest solicitation
of Bowdens son in law, who represents
the feelings of his wife the daughter
of Bowden & his mother in law.

After this statement your
excellency can exercise yr discre
tion as to your judgment shall seem
most wise & humane.

Great excitement
prevails here on the subject of the late treaty.