City Jail
Portsmouth Va
13th of Decr 1866
His Excellency
Hon. Francis H. Pierpont
Governor State of Virginia,
Sir,
I most respectfully and humbly appeal to you in reference to
bestowing upon me your clemency in exercising your pardoning power
in my behalf. I suppose ere this you have had information concerning
my case, which I sincerely hope you will give your earliest, and
proper consideration. I do not deem it neccessary to state here the
whole circumstances pertaining to the case, as by the petition that
has been presented to you, you can fully judge if I am deserving of
having my freedom. I say Sir with an honest heart, that the assault
was made under the impression that the Woman was a prostitute, and
as soon as I found, and was convinced that she was a virtue women I
desisted and gave her my protection against the other parties, which
the testimony in the case will show. I know not the reason I was
confined over four months before a trial was granted me, because I
suppose, I was a Union Soldier, and the punishment by law was so
small that by keeping me confined would double my punishment. Your
Excellent I do not in the least hesitate saying that there has been
a great deal of injustice done my by keeping me confined so long
before trial. No doubt you are well informed of the bitter feeling
that exists in this part of the country against Union Soldiers, and
therefore must know that there is very little justice exhibited in
behalf of such persons when in charge of this city’s rulers. In my
opinion it appears very unjust for a jury of “Ex–Rebel Soldiers” to
condemn a man who has stood by his country in the time of need, for
such men composed the jury in my case. I take the liberty of
addressing you in this manner, because I am well informed that you
are a man that appreciates justice to all persons. I would further
more state than I have a mother, and sister who are in very reduced
circumstances, and me being confined, is a great misfortune to them,
for they depend on the compensation I receive from the “Corps” for
subsistence of life. Hoping Sir that you will grant my release, and
accept the heartfelt thanks of an unfortunate young man I have the
honor to be
Most Respectfully Your humbler
Servant
Thomas s. Husband
U. S. Marine Corps
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