New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1852-02-18
Pardon OF Lopez = Letters of Gov. Hunt,
Attorney-Genera Crittenden and Secretary

Webster.
The following interesting documents in
regard to the convict Antonio Lopez, we copy from
The Evening journal of yesterday. We learn that
Lopez was recommended to mercy by the presiding
Juege tEdmonds) and by the Jury. 1t will also be
observed that the exercise of clemency was recon-
mendtd by Mr. CrittendeD. Mr.. Webster, and the
District Attorney Of New-York;
From Coz Hunt to the Spanish Minister at Washington
STATE OF NETWORK, EXECUTIVE CHAMBER,
COPY ALBANY, February ~, 1852.
SIR: In our recent interview. | eX-
planned some of the considerations which caused
me to hesitate in granting your application for the
pardon OF Antonio Lopez, VINO is now under SEN
fence Of death Tor the murder OF George Foster.
An alarming increase of capital felonies in this
State has imposed upon the duty of enforcing the
law with fImness for the protection OF public order
and personal security. The pendeDcy OF several
similar applications al the same moment, which my
SCI Of public duty required me 70 resist, has been
a source OF serious embarrassment In my deloera-
tons upon the fate of Lopez; but am now pre-
pared, upon mature consideration, 10 dispose OF the
question His friends assume That the proofs adj
duced on the trial not sufficient 70 justify his
conviction and II is strongly urged by those who
conhde in his proes.alons, that he Is innocent OF
the ofIense. am unable to concur IN this coDclu-
sion. The evidence leaves no doubt upon my mind
that he guilty OF the killing OF Foster, nor do
find il the clTcumstaL ces of the case any sHfcient
justification of the offense. The most that can be
clamsd for Lopez in extenuation Of his guilt Is that
he acted under the influence OF excited passions,
ana there was an absence OF that deliberate malice
aud generalization which frequently attend the
CRIME OF murder. Waving all further discussion
of the character Of the ofense and the justice OF
the conviction proceed to contemplate the case IN
another aspect.
You appe al TO me in the name Of your country,
and as its official representative, to grant pardon TO
this unhappy Spanlard In consideration OF the elem
ency exercised by your Government IN favor oil
the American prisoners who so recently invaded the
territory Of Spain, IN violation OF the laws OF oota
countries.
TIE noble generosity OF your Queen displayed In
the release OF those Misguided mea. excites my pro,
found gratitude. II Is al example OF enIie n;ened
maer animity and Christian eenevolence, which mas
touched the American heart | should co injustice
TO nv ccuptr, men If resisted the sentiments which
the exalted conduct OF our Sovereign has so uhi-
yersslly inspired Nor can Forget hos deeply We
are indebted TO your prompt and humane inierposi-
ton tor the LIBERAL policy which haa ssnaliZed the
recent action OF the Spanish Government Ia behalf
OF some Of our cit zens My snowleoge OF your en-.
deavors 10 strengthen the ties OF friendship which
have uniformly subsidized betweeusthe tao Govern
elis ard my grateful appreciation OF the foroeaf-
ancs BY 1hich the late sIcUities have been so nap
pily terminated make 1t impossible for me TO resiss
IL is not FOR US TO disregard those principles OIL Jus
tice and mutual comfy which ought al nays 10 gov
e,n the ptercourseof friendly and Civilized natohs'
Yielding to these consc eratlons, nave ceclaeu,
ate, full r. lection To release Antonio Lopez nom
ihe sentence Of 6eath sAd TO restore AIM 10 Ms n
tive county, Ii affords me sincere saf1siscuoh ~
place in your hands full Pardon OF ms onenso'
subect 10 the sin gle condition that he shall immsoi-
sleiy leave the United States and never return.
Iienain, with the highest respect your ooeu,o"'
...-.n, WASHINGTON HUNT
To His Excellency, Don A. Calderon oe Ia bafcs'
&C, &c, &C. o.. u,r,
Frou The Iftornsy General Of the u S. to Cor. HUM
oyyrcy OF rHs ATTORNEY. GENERAL u s sal,
orfiOA y" ~ WASHINGTON. Jan. H. 1891
tn HIS Ercefieaey WAsHIEeroS HUNT " ~
SIR; / have carefully perased all the