The Governor, as chief executive officer of the state, may as part of his duty to administer law, pardon individuals convicted or fined in all criminal and penal cases, except those of treason and impeachment. This series contains letters from convicted parties, letters and petitions from relatives, friends and concerned citizens of the community, often with supporting legal documentation concerning pardons, paroles and remission of imposed fines. The most common offenses are murder, assault with intent to kill, and stealing slaves. Other crimes include gambling with a minor, and theft of property, including horses. A noteworthy case is that of George Carmelich, sentenced by Judge McKinstry for the murder of McMiller of Mobile. Several letters contain statements that Carmelich committed the murder but was gravely provoked by Miller with profanities. October 1856, contains the description of circumstances in the State vs. Jesse Sims. The papers contain a diagram of the crime area. A case during the spring of that same year involved Adaline Parker who was convicted of fornication and adultery in Tuscaloosa Co. and fined $100. Pleas for a remission of the fine cite that she was abandoned by her husband and had four (4) small children to care for and was therefore unable to pay the fine. The letter from Augustus Eberhard Einzing, 1855 May 27, born in Wurtenburg, Germany explains that he was accused and arrested in Mobile for stealing a gun and sentenced to 26 months in the State Penitentiary. Another letter, in German, is written by who appears to be his mother, in 1855 May, pleading for his release. Many of the petitions contain long lists of signatures, whereas others are the eloquent pleadings of an individual.
