J.A. McClung to Gov. William Owsley, September 2, 1848

                      Brookville Sep 2nd 1848

     My dear Sir

I am requested by the master or former master of Harry Slaughter to write to you in relation to his case Seven negroes have been tried during the last week, among whom Slaughter was one. The Jury has not agreed in any verdict, and it is understood that there is no probability of their agreeing. Slaughter, name is mentioned in the evidence more frequently than that of several others, but there is no proof of his ever having fired a pistol, in either skirmish, and there is nothing which shows him, in a different light from the great mass, who have been discharged

A careful record of the evidence will probably be exhibited, from which you may judge of the circumstances nearly as accurately as if you had been present. There is a great and very general desire that the negroes should not be hanged, but sent down the river, and that the white man should be punished. I believe a reprieve of the whole seven would be well received, particularly in this county, where the indignation, is chiefly against the white man, and where there is great sympathy for the negroes

I respectfully solicit, the mercy of your Excellency for the whole.

                Respectfully

                   JA McClung

His Excellency Governor Owsley

       PS The jury have just returned a verdict of guilty against Harry Slaughter, Shadrach, and Presley