The Constitution of 1819 gave the governor of Ala. the power to grant reprieves and pardons in all criminal and penal cases, except those of treason and impeachment, and to remit fines and forfeitures. This series consists of letters relating to pardons from crimes, paroles from jail sentences, and remission of fines imposed. Approximately half of this series consists of letters listing those convicts that were eligible for parole from the Ala. penitentiary. An interesting example for the remission of fines is a letter about a thirteen year old female and a thirty year old male who were convicted of "living in a state of fornication." The letter continues to describe how after the people were convicted and fined, the couple decided to get married "in the presence of the crowd assembled at court." The sheriff requests that Governor Houston remit two-thirds of the fine against the couple. Also included in this series are notices or certificates of good conduct. Signatures from officials include those of J.M. Bradford, president of the board of inspectors; J.H. Judkins, and A.T. Goodwyn, inspectors.
