The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1865-11-06

In behalf or Jefferson Davis and Alexander stephens
and Of James Seldom, OF Virginia; A. g. McGrath, OK
South Carolina William Allison and David l. fulee, OF
Florida and u w Mercer, OF Georgia, now confined as
prisoners in Fort Pulaski and OF all other prisoners
similarly circumstance. Your Excellency has been
pleased 10 restore Mr. stephens 10 his liberty He re-
turns 10 the grateful people of his State as solemn
pledge Of the magnanimty which rules the public
councils aud his great and influence will be potent
10 revive the amty OF the past and fruey tho wise
and generous policy which your Excellency has naugu
rated Emboldencd nv this example impeiled by the
purity OF our motives and stimulated by the prayers Of
numerous people, we appeal for ciomency IN behalf OF
the persons we have named Restore them
TO hberty and 10 the embraces OF their families trans
late them from captivity 70 the light OF freedom and Of
hope and the gratitude Of the prisoners will be mingled
with the joyful accamaiions which shall ascend TO
heaven from the hearts OF this people
Mr.. Davis was elevated to his high position by our suf
frages and m response 20 our wishes We imposed upon
him responsibility which nc did not seek. Originally
opposed 20 the sectional policy which public opinion,
with irresistible power finally drove him. he became the
exponent Of onr principles and the leader Of cause.
He simply responded to the united Of his section.
II he then guilty We the principals he
was our agent Let not the rctrbuton of mighty
ton be visited upon his head while We who urged him
his destiny, suffered 10 escape The liberal Glenn
ency of the government has been extended over ns We
breathe the and experience the blessings of freedom.
We therefore ask that the leader Who in response TO the
democratic instincts OF his nature the principles OF his
party aud the solicitations Of his section became the
head front of offending shall not be bruised
for inquitIcs punished for our ransgressons Mr.
DAVIS not the leader Of feeble and temporary insar
rection he the representative Of great ideas and
the exponent Of principles which stirred and CONSOLE
dated numerous and Intelligent people. This poope
was not dupe They pursued the course when they
adopted Of their free WILL and he did not draw them
on but followed after Them Is for these reaSone that
we invoke the Executive clemency In his behalf His
frame is feeble Ills health Gclicate--a broken by tho
storms Of State He langushcs out In captivity vca.
rious punishment for the acts'of his peoo Thousands
of hearts touched with his Distress Thousands Of
prayers ascend TO Heaven for his relief We invoke in
his behalf the generous exercise Of the prcrogatve 10
pardon which the form and principles OF the constitution
offer benelcent instrument t.. mcrciful Executive.
We ask the continuance Of that ngeer Of clemency
which your Excellency has begun, >rIbch alone wo
earnestly believe can secure the true Rd the last
ing greatness Of the nation. Dispel mercy
which Is incnlcated by the example Of nster
on high, your name will be transmitted
men one OF the benelactors OF mank
sttuton Of our country, renewed aud for
measures will once more extend It's protcd
contented and happy people founded, as 1t wN
consent and affection, and .rcstng, like the srds
the heavens equally upon ALL