2006-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/31/2006
In an attempt to secure a full pardon, a prominent Southerner writes to President Johnston, though at times his excuses seem a little half hearted. In part:”...Previous to the election ot president Lincoln your petitioner was fonfd of the growing greatness of the United States and the institutions thereof…but on the election of President Lincoln,…your petitioner was honestly led to believe by the speeches of our leading statesmen made in the Congress of the United Stattes…that the country and a certain species of property therein, were involved in inement danger. …In conformity to his cherished principles of States Rights …but deeply regretting the circumstances then existing, cooperated with the great body of his fellow citizens in voting for Secession. Your petitioner never aspired to any office…except that of elector for President which he discharged by casting his votes to the late incumbent President of the Southern Confederacy, in compliance with the votes of his fellow citizens…During the progress of the war your petitioner avers that he had no part therein …your petitioner respectfully shows that that he owned last January about ninety slaves. Some have run away from him and some have been taken up by the Army of the United States…No legal proceedings have been instituted against your petitioner’s property under the Confiscation Act….no proceedings…for treason or for conspiracy against the Government of the United States…Your Petitioner respectfully makes this special application to your Excellency under the thirteenth exception of the Amnesty Proclaimation…Your petitioner is worth more than twenty thousand dollars exclusive of slaves…You petitioner prays for special Amnesty and pardon…with special restoration of all rights of personal property except slaves…John Ray. “ Very good, with complete transcript.
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