Having as Clerk of the Circuit Court of Madison , witnessed the trial of Wright for the murder of Wesley Ratcliff . I am induced by the strong interest I take in the fate of Doctor Wright , to press at your hands for a remission of somuch [so much] of his punishment as relates to the Branding — The Character proved by Wright and the Circumstances of the case make it one of doubtfull [doubtful] manslaughter, in as much that the Jury were much divided in opinion, and while in the act of Rendering their verdict solicited mitigation of the punishment, so far as might be practicable, I believe [added: that] in soliciting thro [through] interferences of execution Clemency in behalf of Doctor Wright, I express the wishes of the Jury and of many of our most respectable Citizens

I am Dear Sir with sentiments of high esteem

Your friend and Obet. Servt [Obedient Servant]

Wm [William Harris]Harris