Amos T. Akerman to Rufus B. Bullock, 31 March 1871

March 31, 1871. His Excellency R. B. Bullock, Governor of Georgia. Sir: I send you a copy of a statement of Mr. Wm. T. Howell, formerly special agent of the Post office Department, in Georgia, in reference to a pardon which has been solicited for George P. Ashburn.—You will see that Mr. Howell states that Ashburn has been ill-treated by the keepers who have him in charge in the Georgia Penitentiary, on account of his political principles. Though I have not felt at liberty to recommend the pardon of Ashburn, I feel bound to bring to your notice such a statement as is thus incidentally made; because I know that you will be disposed to protect this young man against any imposition from his keepers. Very respectfully, &c, A. T. Akerman, Attorney General.