Faversham 28th September 1837

Dear Sir,
                 The poor fellow, Rook, whom I convicted at the last Sessions of Housebreaking; & who was sentenced transportation for life, with a recommendation to mercy from the prosecution has addressed the enclosed letter to you – the Minister of the Parish has, as you will perceive, joined in the recommendation to mercy, & a very long list of the most respectable of the village have also as you will perceive, concurred – from all the Enquiries I have made I am ???lly ????ced to believe that he has but lately been led astray; & that mercy in this instance might be very reasonably & ????ciously extended.  I have been requested by the parties to forward it to you accompanied with my own opinion, which I trust will be my apology for troubling you.
                                   Yours very respectfully
                                             Mr Shepherd