This is an EXECUTIVE PARDON, dated April 10, 1872 and signed by then California Governor Newton Booth, on behalf of Robert Francis. Francis was tried and convicted for the murder of Robert Oliver during a barroom encounter in the California mining town of Sawpit Flat on September 26, 1868.Oliver, who was the first recognized as the first champion skier, was a bitter rival of Francis' and had nearly beaten him to death at Metcalf's Bar the previous year. That night, there was a dance and Francis was in attendance, as well as Oliver. Because of a mix up with young lady dance partners, the two men grew more resentful of each other and eventually Francis, claiming he felt threatened physically by Oliver, slapped Oliver across the face. Oliver exclaimed that he'd beaten Francis before and he can do it again. At this point, Francis left the saloon and returned a short time later with a Colt revolver and fired one shot, that resulted in Oliver's death. During the trial, Francis maintained that he felt threatened by Oliver, citing the previous year's beating he had endured at the hands of Oliver. He was tried and convicted of murder in the second degree and given a fifteen (15) year sentence in San Quentin. An appeal to Governor Henry Haight fell on deaf ears and it wasn't until Francis' attorney and a few influential friends applied pressure, did the California Legislature vote to give Francis the pardon he sought for three (3) years. It was signed by Governor Newton Booth and his Secretary of State Drury Melone. The attractively framed document measures 10"x 22.50" This is in excellent condition and it's the first document of this type that we've ever seen or offered here at Holabird Western Americana. Please see photos for more details. Sawpit Flat California