Ashtabula weekly telegraph. [volume] (Ashtabula, Ohio) 1853-1873, 1863-12-19

portunity Of aiding these important steps to
the great consumation.
ln the midst of other cases, however impoT-
taDt, we must not lose sight Of the fact that
the war power Is still our main reliance. To
that power alone can we look for time to
give confidence to the people in the contested
regions, that the iDsurgent power will not again
overrun them.
Uutil that confdeDce shall be established,
little can be done anywhere for what is called
Reconstruction. Hence our chefest care must
still be directed 10 the army and navy, which
have thus far borne their harder part so nobly
and we'll And it may be esteemed fortunate
that 10 giving the greatest efficiency to these
indispensable arms we do honoraby recognize
the gallant men, from commander TO sentinel,
who compare them, and to whom more than TO
others the world must stand indebted for the
home OF freedom diseDthralled, regeuerated,
enlarged and perpetuated.
lSigned,) ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
Washington, Dec. 9th, 1863.
Proclamation Ace ompanying the Message
The FLOWING proclamation is appended to the
message,
WHEREAS in and by the Constitution of the
United States it is provided that the President
shall have power to grant reprieves and par
doDs for offences against the United States, ex-
cept 10 cases Of impeachment, and WHEREAS, o
Rebellion now exists whereby the loyal States
aud governments Of several States have for
long time been subverted, and many persons
have committed, and are now guilty of treason
against the United States and
WHEREAS, with reference to said rebellion
and treason, laws have been enacted by Con-
gress declaring the forfeiture and confscation of
property, and liberation of slaves, oil upon
terms and conditions therein stated; and also
declaring that the President was thereby au-
thorzed at any time thereafter by proclamation,
TO ext md to persons who may have participa-
ted in the existing rebellion in any State or part
thereof, pardon and amnesty, with such excep-
tions, and at such times and on such condition
as he may deem expedieut for tie public wei
fare, aud WHEREAS. the Congressional decar-
alton for limited aud conditional pardon accords
with we'll established iDdicial exposi,ons of the
pardouing power, and
WHEREAS, with referance to said rebellion,
treason, laws have been enacted by Congress
declaring the forfeiture and confscation of prop
erty, aud liberation of slaves. all upon terms aud
conditions therein stated and also declaring
that the President was thereby authorized AZ
any time thereafter by proclamation TO extend
existing rebellion in any State or part thereof
pardon and amnesty, with such exceptions. and
ot such times aud 90 such conditions as he may
deem expedient for the public welfare. and
WHEREAS, the Congressional declaration for
limited aBd conditional pardon accords with
well established Judicial expositions of the par.
donug pow er, and
WHEREAS, with reference 10 said rebellion
the President Of the Uuited States has Issued
several proclamations, with provisions 10 regard
to the liberation Of slaves. and
WHEREAS, it is now desired bv some nersons
heretofore engaged in said rebellion 10 resume
their allegiance to the United States, and rein
augurate loyal State Governments within and
for their respective States therefore.
|, Abraham Lincoln. President Of the Uni
itel States do proclaim, declare and make
known to all persons who have directly or by
implication participated io.the existing REBEL,
ion. except as hereinafter excepted, that full
pardon is granted 10 them and each OF them.
With restoration of all rights if third parties
shat! not have intervened, and upon the condi.
ton that every sneh person shall take and sub
scribe an oath. aud theaceHorward keen aud
maintain said oath iDviola;e, aud which oath
shall be registered for permanent preservati N.
AID shallbs OF the tenor and eject following,
10 wit:
DO solenuy swear in presence of Almighty
God that | will heneefortb faithfully sunnort
protect and defend the Constitution Of the Uni.
TED States and the Union of States Hereunder.
e'd that will 10 like manner, abide by and
fanbiuIly support all acts of Congress, passed
during the rebelli >n, with reference to slaves.
~ long, and SO far as not yet repealed, modified
or held void by Congress- or by decision of the
Supreme Court; and that viii in like manner
abide By. and faithfully support all proclama,
hoas OF the President made during the existing
ieneiien. having reference to slaves and so
long and so far as not modified or d clared
vold by decision OF the Supreme Court, so
help me God"
Inc persons exempt from the benefits of the
ioregoiDg provisions are all who are or shall
nave Deen ciyl or diplomatic officers or agents
y, lne soealled Confederate Government; all
VINO have left judicial stations under the Uni
uu S'ates TO aid the rebellion; oil who are or
snaii have been military or naval officers of
the rank Of colonel 10 The army, or lieutenant
~ me oavy; all who lett seats 10 the United
otates Congress 10 aid in the rebellion; all who
resigned their commissions 10 the army and na-
" o. The United States and sard aided
We rebellion. aud all who have engaged 10 any
way 10 treating colored persons or white psr-
SONS 10 charge OF such, otherwise than lawfully
ss prisoners OF war. and which persons may be
found 10 the United States service az soldiers,
seameD, or 70 any other capacity
And 90 farther proclaim declare and make
known. that whenever, 10 any of the States of
Afkansas. Texas, Louisiana. Mississippi, Tennes
tee. Alabama, Georgia. Florida, South Carolina
and North Carolina, number Of persons, not
less than one-tenth OF the pumber Of yotescast
10 such States at the Presidential election, of
the yeas OF our Lord. 1860, each having taken
abe oath aforesaid, and not having since violated
Il. and being n'qpaltGed voter BY the election
laws Of the Stste. exstiDg Immediately before
The so-cslIed ast % Secession, and excluding
- others shall be established State Govern
ncnt which shall be republican. aDdno wise
consrassoing said oath. tttsosa sa
Sch shall be recognized rs the true govern
|ne13 Of ohe Glates; and the State shall receive
keropo1sf M beBeiifs Of the Constitutional
vfesIGIcn which declares that The Uuiled States