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Port Gibson Miss 25 Sep 1866

Gov B. G. Humphrey
Jackson Miss

Dr Sir Annexed I hand you the proceeding & findings of the Claiborne County Arrest Agst Levi Robinson Freedman. My object in forwarding it to you is to ask you to remit the fine—It is now late in the season & planters are generally unwilling to hire negroes & but few if any have the money to spare to advance for labor to be performed. His offense was Assault & Battery & Committed under aggravated Circumstances which I do not ^think^ were presented to the Court. He was prior ^to^ & during the war a good & faithful Servant—he had, during the war frequent opportunities & going to the Enemy but did not. He was captured, in '64 & was only taken from the plantation by force—he returned as soon as he could—Were I planting or could I use him I would not ask for a Mitigation of Sentence—I think his imprisonment has been a sufficient punishment. I hope Governor, you will in consideration of these facts Extend to him the Mercy of the Law—Should you act in the matter please let me hear from you as Early as possible—He was formerly my property & as an Evidence of his general good behaviour & Character several of his acquaintances on last Saturday offered to assist him in paying the Expenses of the Suit which is about Sixty Dollars

I am Governor
Very Respy Yr obt svt & c

Jas. D. Wood