Henry Richardson was born in Oklahoma in 1894. He left school after the seventh grade when he was 15 and worked as a teamster and gardener. His enlistment record indicates that his civilian employers described him as honest, industrious, and a hard worker “although he had the mental makeup of a child.” He enlisted in the army in April 1917.

In August 1922, the acting JAG, John A. Hull wrote to a Congressman who had contacted him on behalf of Richardson with a clemency request: “In my judgment Richardson is one of the least deserving of clemency at this time of the Houston rioters, and I therefore included him in the first list that was submitted to the Secretary for unfavorable consideration at this time. I regret exceedingly that I cannot accede to your earnest request and make a favorable report in the Richardson matter.”

On September 1, 1922, Richardson wrote directly to Hull after he was notified of the denial of his clemency request:

I just received a missive from Hon. J.R. Anthony Jr. stating that I was denied clemency. You Col. Hull, would you be so kind as to state to me the reason why please? Sir, you know as well as I do that I am innocent of the crimes that I am charged with. Of course it was impossible for me at the time our trial to make you see that for the sentiment was so strong against we defenceless boys. You, Sir, I know you are a man of word and honor, and I know that you don’t make it a practice of going back on your word. Sir, can you recall what you said to me the morning before we left to come to prison. Sir, you told me out of your own mouth that if I should come hear and bring a two or four year record and when my case came up that if it was in your power you would do all that you could for me. You Col. Hull you could help me if you would for I am at your mercy. For I’ve got people that need my support very bad. You Sir, all I ask of you is to help me to be a law abiding citizen for I never was in trouble. Now I am looking for a favorable reply at your earliest convenience. Yours Respectfully Harry Richardson.

Undeterred, Richardson again wrote a personal letter to Hull on January 20, 1923:

Sir Col: I am writing you knowing that you are the only one that knows more about my case than anyone else. Col, I never kill anybody, and Sir, I think I am due some consideration. As much as the others has anyway. Now since I have been here I have and excellent record. Col, I am at your mercy and if you will let your mind back you will remember what you told me. Col you said that if I came here and keep a good record, which I have, that you would help me. Col, you prosecuted me and Col, I am going to ask you to me help me. Now Sir, I am thanking you in advance for what you may do for I haven’t got known one to help me and Sir, you can if you will. Yours Respt. Harry Richardson.

Hull replied on January 25th, 1923: “Your favor received. It is impossible for us to make a favorable recommendation in your case at present. I am glad to see that you are making a good record as a prisoner, and trust that you will continue to do so. By so-doing, some day you will doubtless receive mitigation.”

Richardson’s life sentence was remitted to 30 years in April 1924.