To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund J. Lee, 3 April 1804
From Edmund J. Lee
Alexandria 3d. April 1804
Sir
On behalf of Francis Murray a prisoner now in confinement in this place I take the liberty of inclosing to you the petiton of the Said Murray, with the recommendation of the Court—
I was appointed by the Court to defend him on his trial, he being unable to employ Counsel for himself—I Know nothing myself of his circumstances, & can only state my beleif that he is unable to pay the fine imposed on him or the costs of the prosecution, nor am I able to say any thing as to his character—
I am with great respect Your mo: Obd Sert.
Edm: J Lee
RC (DNA: RG 59, GPR); endorsed by TJ as received 9 Apr. and so recorded in SJL with notation “Murray’s case.” Enclosure: Petition for pardon of Francis Murray, 3 Apr., stating that he was convicted of grand larceny at the November term of the Circuit Court of the District of Columbia and sentenced to “thirty nine Stripes at the Publick whipping post” and a fine of $10; he has been confined since 15 Dec. 1803 for “not having yet paid the said Fine & costs”; his income relies on daily labor, which his confinement precludes; he served his nation faithfully aboard a frigate in the Mediterranean and, when discharged, intends to reenlist; below Murray’s petition are signed statements from jailer James Campbell and Deputy Marshal Lewis Summers, both dated 3 Apr., certifying Murray’s inability to pay fines and costs; followed by a recommendation of clemency from William Kilty and Nicholas Fitzhugh, dated 3 Apr., citing the public expense of Murray’s confinement and his intention to reenlist in the navy; with order in TJ’s hand at foot of text: “Apr. 10. 1804, Let a pardon issue Th. Jefferson.”
TJ issued a pardon on 1 May, remitting the fines and charges incurred by murray (FC in Lb in same).