Clemency File, 1775-1790, undated

About This Collection

Images of a record of individual case files that may contain diverse documents about persons seeking pardons from the President of the Supreme Executive Council, the Governor, or the Board of Pardons. Types of documents found in a case file may include summary sheets, letters, petitions, court transcripts, newspaper notices, copies of death warrants, pardon proclamations or respites. The information found in the file varies with each dossier and the time period. While one case file may merely provide a persons name and reason for being imprisoned, another may also list the incarcerated individuals occupation and particulars about his or her life and family. In a few instances, photographs of the persons are included. Disclaimer: The Pennsylvania State Archives provides digital access to a wide variety of historical documents, some of which may be considered offensive by current standards. The Archives does not endorse views expressed in these historical collections, but presents these collections to aid in scholarly research.