Oregon gov. 'pardons' boy who apologized for taking pen, hazelnut

May 19 (UPI) -- Oregon Gov. Kate Brown offered a "pardon" to fourth grade boy who sent her a letter of apology for taking a hazelnut and a pen from the capitol building.

Brown posted a photo to Facebook showing the boy's letter, her response, and the pen and $1 bill he sent with the note to make up for pilfering the items during a class trip.

The boy wrote:

"Dear Governor Brown,

My class visited the capitol on April 19. While we were there I took a hazelnut and pen from the capitol building. These things were not mine and it was wrong for me to take them. I'm very sorry. I hope you and the people of Oregon can forgive me.

Sincerely,

Samuel 4th Grade"

The note Brown sent in response reads: "Samuel, Thank you for your note of apology. On behalf of the people of Oregon, I accept your apology and forgive you."

The governor elaborated in her Facebook post.

"Samuel, in exchange for your apology, debt repayment, and return of the pen you lifted, I formally pardon you from any further penalty," she wrote. "I hope the pen coming your way will be an adequate memento of your visit at the Capitol. Come back soon!"