Catherine Black to Richard Yates

To His Excellency Richard Yates, Governor of the State of Illinois.

The Humble Petition of Catherine Black.

Most Respectfully Sheweth, That your petitioner's husband, John Black, is now an inmate of the jail of Cook County, under a sixty days sentence from the Recorder's Court, on the 19th day of March, for an alleged assault upon the person of one Margaret Whelan. That the whole affair was only a drunken quarrel among neighbours who had always previously been good friends, and that the prisoner had, no weapon whatever, other than a heavy ring on one of the fingers of his right hand. That your petitioner has no means of support, save the earnings of her husband, of which support she is now deprived.

That the prisoner is in very feeble health, and that his very existence itself is endangered by his incarceration for which reasons petitioner humbly prays Your Excellency to pardon the said John Black, and your petitioner will ever pray.

Catherine Black

Chicago April 5 1864

I have been acquainted with John Black for several years. For nearly one year, he was in my employ and gave good satisfaction except on Christmas. He had a little spree induced by being among those he thought to be his friends. I think Mrs Blacks statements are correct

H. Neuhall

I unite most cordially in [desiring?] the petition of Mrs Black be granted.

H.G. Powns

C H. Stoughton

H Booth

Black, Catherine

Chicago, Ills.

April 5. 1864.

Solicits a reprieve for her husband. Sentenced by recorders Court to 60 days imprisonment for assault which she alleges arose from a drunken quarrel

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