The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1865-09-07
MI S S / S SIP Pi.

The Appeal to President johnson I'm Be
half or Jefferson Davis and Ex-Gover-
JACKSON, Miss, August 20, 1855.
To THE PRESIDENT or THE UNITED SrATRs-
The members Of the Convention of the State Of Missis
spp assembled for the purpose OF amending the state
constitution restore relations with the federal
government, Missssippans and individuals, respect
fully present the following petition
Charles Clark, late Acting Governor Of this state is
learn, held in confinement by authority OF the United
States government at Fort Pulaski he is old maimed
shattered in constitution and wrecked in fortune He
has long been known as gentleman Of high social posi-
tion, of great worth, integrity and intelligence
Jefferson Davis lately the President oil the Stats in re-
belon against the federal government said TO be
strict confinement and debarred the privilege Of CORES
pondng conversng with his family or friends He Is
said TO be suffering Ill health and TO be threatened with
the loss Of sight His family Is reduced to poverty
Here resistance to the authority of the United States
is at end There Is no longer among our people any
intention wish TO resist the government but honest
determination to return TO their peaceful occupations and
10 restore the prosperity that once blessed our State
The action Of the Convention now In session leaves no
doubt of the truth Of this assertion. We believe that
what is said of our own state is true Of all the States
Few Of US coincided with Messrs Davis and Clark in
their political opinions Most OF us voted against
none Of us doubted that Mr. Davis acted upon
and sincere conviction that the theory Of our govern
ment which he adopted right-a theory once advo
Gated by OF the best men our country produced
He 10th TO resort TO a disruption OF the Union
mode OF remedyng what he thought to be wrong in the
past and guarding against other and more grievous
wrongs which he believed to be impending. After the
convention assembled in this state had passed an ord
Of secession he left the Senate Of the United States
reluctantly and with sorrow believing, assured
that he required TO do by his duty 10 the State
due regard for consistency and the political principles
he had 20 long adhered o-the solemn earnest and pat
riotc appeals contained in his latest addresses TO the
Senate justify in these opinions II was well known
TO people that he was not among the most ardent OF
In other times leading Missssippians to victory, he
gallantly fought and bled for the Unon and refeced
honor and renown upon State as well as the whole
Ne be indif n
much we differ from him in his political opinions,
and we can but sympathze with him in his misortunes
When war of sections began, inaugurated not so
much by the action or app ais of Individuals by the
general uprising and enthusiasm OF the Masses he was
chosen with extraordinary unanmity. because he was
known to be honest sincere aud prudent TO preside over
the States In revolt He the representative Of the
sentiment Of the people OF the States His acts were
those of the great body Of the people We respectfully
and earnestly ask that our sins the sins of the millions
for whom, and with whom he acted may not be visited
upon his head.
fully to their allegiance, are confident the pardon OF
the gentlemen we have mentioned will go very far to
produce more kindly feeling between people OF tho
North and the SOUTH and rid Of much Of that aspery
which has arisen from the conflict. We believe,
too that the pardon Of Mr. Davis would be an act Of
grateful magnanmity becoming powerful government,
whose military strength and have asonished
the world aud whose claims 10 respect would rest not
more upon It's power than upon acts Of mercy the
hour Of triumph We submit that this act would elicit
the applause and excite the admiration OF all good men
at home and all good men and governments abroad.
We think the disasters that has brought upon us
will prevent the OF rebellion These disasters
may well stand In the place OF further punishment.
They have reached ALL We recognize them In the
desoatiou Of our elds-n the ruin Of our
the destruction OF untold weath-the terrible loss Of
life, and the sweeping away OF almost all that makes
earnestly and respectfully the President extend
these gentlemen In whose fate Missssippans especially
feel SO deep an interest. the same clemency wnicn nc
THE above, s stated, was signed by every member
OF the convention.l