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Laurens C.H. S.C. Feby 19 1866

To His Excellency
President Andrew Johnson

I felt it incumbent on me to write your Excellency a few days ago, detailing the circumstances of a trial which I have been subjected to be[[?]] Capt C.E. Knight 15th Maine Vols. & Asst. Prov. Judge, for an offence which had been adjudicated by the commanding officer of a previous garrison, Lt. J. E. Ashe, & Asst. Prov. Judge for this Dist at that time. I protested before Capt. Knight that he had no right to try me twice for the same offence- a petty offence- but disregarding everything but the false statement of the negro, he proceeded to try the case and sentenced me to pay a fine of one hundred & fifteen dollars taxed as cost & stand committed until paid. This amount I was required to pay, notwithstanding I offered note & sincerity to await the result of an appeal which I have taken.

Since writing the letter referred to, I have not recd a Statement from Lt. Ashe, now at Anderson C.H. a copy of which I herewith enclose to your Excellency, which plainly shews that [[illegible]] hear and decide the case. I therefore respectfully submit to your Excellency - hoping for relief from no other quarter, as I know who to apply to - that I have been most harshly