Thomas Jefferson Papers

From Thomas Jefferson to William Dickson, 3 January 1807

Jan. 3. 1807.

Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to Doctr. Dickson and observes that his rule has been not to grant a pardon but on the recommendation of the judge before whom the conviction was. judge McNary’s signature is to a very different matter. but in consideration of the distance, & of the time that would require to obtain an answer from the judge & the signers of the petition being unknown to Th:J. if Doctr. Dickson will have the goodness to have a consultation with the representatives & Senators of the state, who perhaps may know Moore, or the signers of the petition, and they should be of opinion it would be proper to pardon, Th:J. would consider their opinion as a sufficient evidence of the propriety of issuing the pardon, & would file it as such in the office instead of the recommendation of the judge.

DLC: Thomas Jefferson Collection.

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