1

Carthage 12^th August 1850
Sir,
Mr Jose Hall was convicted
at the present term of our circuit
court for tippling with a slave.

It was manifest from the proof
that when he sold the liquor that
he was laboringunder the imporession
that he had the permission of the
master. He is a young man of
fine character and I doubt if
he would be able to undergo the
confinement of one week ( the
shortest time under the statute)
without greatly endangering his life.
I think it is a case where the
executive clemency would be
[illegible] extended and I hope your
excellency will find it agreeable
to the public good to release him from
the penalty which he has received.
You will receive a petition signed by
a large number of your friends here
in regard to the matter.
Respectfully
[Joh?] Pickett

Hon. W. Trousdale