Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1863-12-18
Procla NATION.

Whereas, By the Constitution of the
United States, it is provided that the presi-
dent shall have power to grant reprieves
and pardon for offences against the United
States except in cases of impeachment;
ani whereas, rebellion now exists where
by the loyal State governments of the sew
eral States have fora long time been sub
: yerted, and many persons have committed,
and are now guilty of treason against the
United States and whereas, with refer
ence to said rebellion and treason, laws
have been enacted by Congress declaring
the forfeitures and confscation ofpropery
and the liberation Of slaves, all upon terms
and conditions therein stated, and also de-
claring that the president was ther-by au-
thorized at any time thereafter ly procla-
nation to extend to persons who may have
participated in the existing rebellion in any
state or part thereof, pardon and amnesty,
with such exceptions. and at such times,
and on such conditions as he may deem ex-
pedient for the public welfare and where
as the congressional declaration for limited
and conditional pardon accords with the
well established Judicial exposition of the
pardoning power I; and whereas, with ref
erence to said rebellion the president of
the United States has issued several proc
amations with provisions il regard TO the
liberation of slaves; and whereas, it is now
desired by some perions heretofore engag-
ed in said rebellion, TO resume III ir ale
glance to the United States, and 10 REIN
augurate loyal state governments within
and for their respective states:
Therefore, l, Abraham Lincoln, presi.
dent of the United States, do proclaim, de-
clare and make known to all persons who
have, directly. or by implication, participa.
| ted in the ey isting rebellion, except al
hereafter excepted, that full pardon il
hereby granted tothem, and each of them
with the restoration of all their rights Of
! property, except as TO slaves and in prop
erty cases where the rights of third parties
shall have interviewed, upon-+the condition
that every such person shall take and sub
scribe TO an oath and henceforward keep
and maintain said oath inyiolate, which
oath shall be registered for permanen; pres
ervation, and shall,be of the tenor and eff
feet following, TO Wit: do solemnly
7 swear, in the presence Of Almighty God
that ] will henceforth faithfully support
sproteet, and defend the constitution Sf th,
l United States, and the union Of the states
hereunder; and that / will, in like manner
abide by and faithfully support all the act
OF Congress passed during the existing re
belion with reference to slaves, so long an,
so far as they are not repealed, modified 0
held void by Congress or by decision @
the supreme court; and that ] will, IN lk
manner. abide by and faithfully support al
the proclamations Of the president mad
during the existing rebellion having refer
ence 10 slaves so long and so far as the,
are not modified or declared void by tn
decision of the supreme court. So bel
me Cod ~
: The persons excepted from the benefit
1 of the foregoing provisions are all VIII
are, or shall have been, civil or diplomat
a officers or agents of the so-called confedei
a ate government all who have left jndicii
i stations under the United States TO aid th
v rebellion all who are, or snail have bee
D military or naval officers of said so-calle
a confederate government, above the rank