Petition of Robert Rankin, with Jefferson’s Order, 20 July 1805
Petition of Robert Rankin, with Jefferson’s Order
The humble Petition of Robert Rankin
Humbly Sheweth
That Your unfortunate Petitioner has been Confined in the Gaol of Alexandria Since the 20th day of March 1804 on a fine, which he is unable to pay, and has no hopes of Relief from his present Confinement, but from the Clemencey of Your Excellencey, Your Petitioner is far advanced in Years, having Served in the Revolutionary War during the entire of it, in the fifth Maryland line, Therefore hopes Your Excellencey will extend Mercey to him, and Your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray
Robert Rankin
July 20th 1805
The Undersigned Judges being Satisfied that the Petitioner Robert Rankin is unable to Pay his fine And, in Consideration of his long imprisonment and his having received the other part of the Sentence do respectfully recommend to the President of the United States to Grant the Prayer of his Petition
W Kilty
W. Cranch.
[Order by TJ:]
July 25. 05.
Let a pardon issue
Th: Jefferson
RC (DNA: RG 59, GPR); at head of text: “To His Excellency Thos. Jefferson President of the United States”; recommendation in William Kilty’s hand, signed by Kilty and William Cranch; endorsed by TJ as received 25 July and so recorded in SJL.
TJ pardoned Rankin for his fine and costs on 30 July (FC in same).