TO HIS EXCELLENCY GOVERNOR CABELL.
Washington, November 13, 1808.
Dear Sir,—Between three and four years ago, I received the enclosed petitions praying for the pardon or the enlargement of Thomas Logwood, then and still confined in the penitentiary of Richmond, for counterfeiting the bank notes of the United States. I consulted Governor Page on the subject, who, after conferring with his council, informed me that though he was for a pardon himself, he found a division of opinion on the question, and therefore could not advise it. Between three and four years have since been added to his confinement, and if his conduct during that time has been such as to lessen his claims to a mitigation of his sentence, they must certainly stand now on higher ground, and the more so as two of his accomplices confined here, have by a very general wish been pardoned more than a year ago. Will you be so good as to give me your opinion on the subject, as you are in a situation to know what his conduct has been? His wife is represented as a very meritorious character, and her connections respectable; probably they may be known to you. His neighbors, you will observe, ask his restoration to them. Whether would it be best to pardon him absolutely, or on condition of giving security for his good behavior? or shall we open the prison door and let him go out, notifying him that if he will continue on his own farm or those next adjoining, and keep himself from all suspicious intercourse and correspondence, he will not be molested; otherwise, that he will be retaken and replaced in his present situation? Your advice on this subject will much oblige me. I salute you with great esteem and respect.