Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1865-10-20
An Interesting Interview with
the President.

Dawkins of South Carolina, this afternoon
had an interview by appoirtment with Pres
ident johnson. They were accompanied
by w. II. Trescott, Esp, who is here on
business as Executive agent of that State
The President, after nreliminaries Of re-
cepti0n, invited them 10 be seated, when
the conversation commenced by judge
%Wardiow informing him that they were a
delegation from the State Convention of
South Carolina, sent hither to present GER
tain memorials Of that body. These me
MORALS had been very carefully considered
in the Convention, and lie believed they
told exactly the truth. The President in
CURED theobiect of the menprials. Judge
Wardlow informed him that one of them
was in behalf of jefferson Davis, A. II.
Stephens, George \. Trenholm and Coy.
a Magruth. He said they had understood
that by the late interference of the Pres-
dent. Messrs. Stephens, aud Trenholm had
already been released from close confine
nent and permitted to return to their
homes. He would ask for Gov. Magrath
either pardon or that he might be releas
cd OH his parole. They could assure the
President no harm would result from such
an act of clemeney.
The President replied that all could not
be pardoned at oucc. The business must
he proceeded with gradually and an eifor,
made to execute the Law. \ discrimination
was necessary us we Went along. Ii was
a too common expression, BY way of argu-
ment in regard to ciemcncy, that such
one had been paranned, and that he was
Just as bad as another WHO had not been
pardoned.
JUICE Wardlow replied that the delega-
ton presented no sneh argument as that.
The President said sometimes the pecu-
liar locality had much to do with pardons.
Like many ether things in human affairs.
we cannot have fixed rule. Much de
ponds OH discretion and circumstances. If
we know ourselves. We want 10 do what is
hest and just and TO show proper de-
gree OF humanity on the part OF the Gov
ernnent.
Judge Wardlow remarked that they had
not come llIthcr to express their own hopes
and desires. but as delegates from the South
Carolina Convention to present memorials
of that body in Il fnrmal manner.
The Presidcnt--We will. gentlemen ex-
tead all the facilities and courtcsics which
the questions require. We would prefer
Judge Wardlow replied. that they did
not design to say anything with reference
to Gov Magratl further than that they be-
lieved much good would result by the ex-
ercise OF the Executive clenency toward
him
Col. Hawkins said : IF we can get Gov.
Magrath pareled, it would he a great re-
lief to him at the present time.
Judge Wardlow thanked the President
for having released Messrs. Stephens aud
Trenholm.
The Prcsident-We have thus far, then
anticipated your memorial.
Mr.. Hugcr said Mr.. Trenholm was one
of their must useful men, and there was
no doubt he would exert all his power with /
view to entire harmony between the |
State and the Government.
The President replied lat he understood
that was so; adding, if treason was eoin-
mitted. there ought to be some test to de- |
terminc the power Of the Government to
p3nish the crime. He was free to say that |
it was not a mere contest between political I
parties or question as 20 dc tacto gov t
ernments.
Looking at this Government as we do,
the laws violated, and an attempt made at I
the life of the nation. there should be
vindication of the Government and the I
Constitution, even if the pardoning power |.
were exercised thereafter. Ii treason has /
been committed, it ought to he determined F
by the highest tribunal, aud the fact de- /
clarcd, even if cleinency should come after
ward. There was no !nalice or pref JUDGE /
in carrying out that duty.
Judge Wardlow remarked they Were
we'll aware Of that fact.
The President resuming said there may
he some unkiud feeling on this subject, but
it did exist to any great extent.
Judge WardlOw said although not instruc-
ted by the Convention, he was induced to ask
whether Mrs. Jefferson Davis, who was
into South Carolina to see her friends.
The President replied that he had receiv
ed letters from Mrs. Davis, but they were
not very commendable. The tone of one
Of them. however, was considerably i'm
proved. but the others were not OF the
character becoming one asking leniency.
Judge Wardlow intcrposed by saying she
was woman of strong feeling.
The Presilent-Ies suppose she is a
woman Of strong feeling and temper, but
there is no intention to persecute her
There is as much maSnanmity and indie
pendenee, and nubleness of spirit, in sub
hitting Us trying to set the Government at
defiance. True magnanimty takes things
as they are, and when taken in the proper
way diseonnect them from humiliation.
Manifestation of t mper and defiance do
no good.
Judge Wardow remarked that the tone
OF the newspapers was more favorable and
different from what it was. He then asked
if the President had seen a copy of the
amended Constitution of South Carolina.
OF course he hatfseen we accept enamel
PATTON lie felt perfectly satisfied that the
person and property of the negro will be
protected, and spoke OF the great Difficult
ees of regulating labor and restraining va
grancy, etc.
Mr. Huger remarked that they lad
deep consciousness Of the truth of all the
President said.
The President, resuming, observed that
the character of an individual may charac
terize a natipn, which is nothing but an
aggregate of individuals, and when prop
er spirit is manifested, all can act harno-
nionsly. The man who goes tn the stake
is almost digni6ed by his bearing; it lifts
him above humiliation. In these cases,
gentlemen, we will do the best We can.--I
While thcre'is sympi thy, there is pub
lie judgement which must be met. But !
assure YOU. gentlemen, no disposition exists
for persecution, or thirst for blood.
The President Thought many Of the