Thomas Jefferson Papers

To Thomas Jefferson from James Theker, 6 January 1806

To the President of the United States of Amirica

The Humble Petition of James Theker confined in the Prison of Washington County in the District of Columbia—

Humbly Sheweth that your Petitioner was bound in a Recognizance in the sum of fifty dollars for the appearance of a certain Elizabeth McGlaughlin at December term 1804 at the Suit of the United States, which recognizance was respited untill July term 1805, Mrs. McGlaughlin finding herself taken by a wrong name refused to appear and Kept out of the way untill the Court was over, and the recognizance was forfeited at July Term 1805, and a Capias ad satisfaciendum issued thereon returnable to December term 1805, upon which your petitioner was taken and commited to prison and is now confined in Jail thereon,

Your petitioner farther states that he has a Wife and four small Children, two of which are twins not yet seven weeks old, the helpless state of his family almost puts it out of his power to obtain a bare maintenance, as he has no dependance but on his labour—

Wherefore your petitioner prays that you will be pleased to grant him a pardon remiting him his fine and fees—

And as in duty bound will for-ever pray

James Theker

I certify that the facts stated in the above petition are true, the circumstances mentioned there in having come within my Knowledge—

John W Pratt Deputy

Marshal

We the undersigned Judges of the Circuit Court of the District of Columbia, being satisfied of the distressed circumstances of the petitioner’s family, respectfully recommend a remission of the forfeiture within mentioned and costs.

W Kilty

W. Cranch.

Jany. 6th. 1806.

Let a remission issue according to the recommendation of the judges.

Th: Jefferson

Jan. 7. 1806.

DNA: RG 59—GPR—General Pardon Records.

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