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verdict of "not guilty of murder in the first degree
but guilty of Manslaughter". The Court thereby
pronounced judgement, that said Maxwell be
branded on the ball of the left hand, and suffer
six months close imprisonment - And now your
petitioners humbly ask the interference of your
Excellency, in whom is vested by the Constitiution
of the State, "the power & authority to grant reprieve
& pardons after conviction", & that you will
extend your mercy to the above named James J.
Maxwell - The said Maxwell has now been
confined in the prison at Nashville ever since
the 15^th day of September 1816, a duration of
time uncommon previous to trial, & contrary
to all precident in like cases, during all that
time, was inhumanely chained in his dungeon
to the floor, not having a greater length of
chain than eight inches from the main staple
whereby, together with the smallness of the irons
round his ancles [sic], he has lost totally the use
of his right foot, & materially injured his left
foot. - Such has been the effect of his confine
ment, & treatment, while thus confined, that
his health, which has been for one or two years
indifferent, is now much impaired - The effect