Letter to the governor

Pastor Joseph Stevens
3018 Mary Center
Bayoone, Louisiana 30161

February 3, 1940

Governor Bentley
2018 Jewel Lane
Bayoone, Louisiana 30161

Dear Governor Bentley,

I am very honored that you have taken the time to read my concerns regarding Jefferson. I am well respected in my community as well as in the state of Louisiana. I have known and witnessed many things in my day. I am the pastor of Old Bethlehem Baptist Church. I have served and traveled many miles for my community. I go to white as well as colored neighborhoods to preach the gospel. I have known your family since the early 1900s, so I know you have heard of me and my good deeds. People of all colors come to me because they know I am a problem solver.

I have known Miss Emma since she joined my church back when Jefferson was just a little boy. He was the nicest little boy anyone could ever meet. I known he is a kind hearted person. I remember when he use to always ask me was I okay and did I need prayer. Imagine that. A little boy asking the preacher do I need prayer. That is how I know Jefferson is a kind person. Jefferson growing up as a teenager I could see he had the potential to be a man of honor. Sometimes a person can become swayed from their destiny due to others. He was not like the other boys starting trouble. Jefferson has always been courteous to women as well as the elderly.

I have known your family for many many years Mr. Governor Bentley. I also knew your father very well. I know he raised you as a good, Christian man. A Christian man would not sign off on the death of another person. I know Jefferson was accused of a terrible crime, but do not kill based off of hate. The Bible says, " Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." I know your family so I know that you know what the Bible says. Jefferson was accused of murder, but two wrongs does not make a right. I am well respected and I also respect you. I know I am asking a lot, but I ask you to show mercy for Jefferson as well as his family. Yes, Jefferson should pay for the crime he is accused of, but not by death. I know Jefferson is mournful. I am not asking for you to free Jefferson, of course. I am asking that you allow him to live and not die.

Sincerely,

Pastor Joseph Stevens