Letter from J. L. Mears to Mississippi Governor Benjamin G. Humphreys; July 27, 1866

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Deer Creek July 27, 1866.

My Dear Governor,

I write you in behalf of the son of my friend and neighbor, Major Lee.

I do not disire to make any apology for Harry Percy Lees' violation of the Law. On the con-trary, both on his own account, and for the good of society, he ought to have been severely punished. But I do say, that the sentence of imprisonment was not only excessive but was prompted by ignorance or improper motives

A fine of five hundred dol-lars would have answered all the demands of society, upheld the dignity of the Law and saved his family from the mortifica-tion and shame of the impris-onment of their son.

The fact is, these County Court Judges inflict Punishments upon our White Population that would

disgrace the most radical Element of northern fanaticism, and I really believe it often happens that these wise sentences are pronounced, not to answer the demands of Justice, but simply, to please their Yankee friends.

I hope my Dear Governor, that your sense of duty will permit you to remit that portion of the sentence of these Judges, which consigns this amiable young gentleman to a filthy, and particularly, at this season of the year, unhealthy prison in Vicks-burg. By so doing, you will not only save our friends from mortifi-cation and disgrace, but so far as my knowledge goes, simply answer the demands of an indignant Community.

As ever, Your sincere friend

J. L. Meares

Governor B. G. Humphreys Jackson Miss—

July 30^th 1866

F

Deer Creek, Miss. July 27^th 1866

Mears— J. L.

Letter of—

In behalf of Harry Percy Lee, recent-ly sentenced to imprison-ment in Jail by County Court of Washington Co.