To Thomas Jefferson from William Cranch and Nicholas Fitzhugh, with Jefferson’s Order, 10 August 1804
From William Cranch and Nicholas Fitzhugh,
with Jefferson’s Order
Washington August 10th. 1804.
In the absence of the Chief Judge, the undersigned assistant Judges of the Circuit Court of the District of Columbia, who were present at the trial of the within named petitioner, respectfully represent to the President of the United States, that at December term 1803 the petitioner was convicted of stealing two geese, and sentenced to be whip’d fifteen stripes, to pay a fine of one dollar, and to stand committed untill the fine and fees should be paid; that they believe he is unable to pay them; that having suffered the corporal punishment, and remained in prison a long time, they are of opinion that his punishment has been fully adequate to his offence, and therefore respectfully recommend that the residue of the judgment be remitted.
W. Cranch.
N; Fitzhugh
[Order by TJ:]
Aug. 15. 1804.
Let a pardon issue
Th: Jefferson
RC (DNA: RG 59, GPR); in Cranch’s hand, signed by Cranch and Fitzhugh; written on verso of enclosure.
Cranch and Fitzhugh’s recommendation, as well as an abstract of the trial and sentence, were enclosed in a brief letter to TJ from Uriah Forrest, clerk of the circuit court, dated Washington, 11 Aug.: “In obedience to the Orders of the Court I have the honor to inclose you the within Abstract of the trial of Charles Brown & the sentence pronounced; with the recommendation of the Judges, that you remit, that part which remains unsatisfied” (RC in DLC; endorsed by TJ as received 14 Aug. and so recorded in SJL with notation “Brown’s petn”; also endorsed by TJ: “Charles Brown’s case”).