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SPRIGG SHACKLEFORD
ATTORNEY AT LAW
GUNNISON, COLORADO

GUNNISON, COLO., November 20th., 1915.

Hon.William Spry
Governor of Utah,
Salt Lake City

Dear Sir:
The papers received here today contain telegrams passing
between you and the president concerning the Hillstrom case. It afforded
me great gratification to learn your attitude and the you had determined
to let the law be enforced . You certainly merit as I hope you will receive
the approbation of every citizen who believes in the protection of human
life. It is certainly very difficult to convict the most guilty criminals
and every bloody handed murderer after conviction has a host of friends
and sentimental men and women to make pleas for clemency and pardon
based on false affidavits and statements which simply lend to thwart
justice and intimidate those in authority. It is refreshing to know that
there is at least one governor who cannot be intimidated or fooled.

President Wilson certainly went out of his way and exceeded
the proprities when he reflected on the courts of your state in insinuating
or stating that Hillstrom had not been given a fair trial,and I
wish to congratulate you on the answer which you gave him.

I wish to congratulate you on your courage,intelligence and firmness
with which you have handled this entire matter.

Very Truly,
Sprigg Shackleford