Notation Concerning Pardon for William Breedlove

This handwritten notation is on the back of a petition by Lieutenant Governor Robert Latané Montague and James M. Matthews seeking clemency for William Breedlove, a free black sentenced to be "sold into absolute slavery" for assisting in a slave's escape. The note states that Governor John Letcher agreed to the pardon in principle on December 18, 1863, "& the reasons will be furnished tomorrow."  The official pardon was granted on December 19, 1863.