Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1865-11-21
MR.. JEFFERSON DAVIS AND THE LADIES OF
BALTIMORE.

In the early part of last week, a deputation
of the ladies of. Baltimore city, visited Wash
ington and had an interview, with President
JOHNSON with reference to the release of
Mr. JEFFERSON DAVIS from Imprisonment.
They presented to the President petition
signed by over fifteen thousand of the women
of Baltimore, all ofwhich signatures were obs
tanned in the short space. of three weeks
The dcputation was hcadedby Mrs COLEMAN,
daughter of the late John j. Crittenden,
who addressed the President as follows:-
~ am trembling, Mr.. johnson, 7 know
you will not be impatient. My past inter
course with you has proved to me that you
are gentle and intelligent. The magnitude
of the cause we advocate alarms me. \ faint
cold fear steals through my heart. I know
cannot do this great cause justice. We are
the representatives of fifteen thousand women
of the city of Baltimore, and we come tremb-
lingly, but respectfully with petition. The
Russians, from the highest III rank to the
lowest serf, call the Car father, and appeal
to him as such; we come to you, also, as
children to father, cable and willing to
help" You have not quite so many children
as the Gar, but you have large family
We come in the name of fifteen thousand of
your daughters, the weaker sex, and, there
fore, more entitled to fOrbearance and in
duigence. With your permission, Twill now
read the petition.
TIE PETITION.
We, the undersigned, women cf the city
of Baltimore, respectfully and earnestly pray
that your Excellency will be pleased to grant
your pardon to Mr. Jefferson Davis, and re-
store him to his family and freedom. In ap-
preaching your Excclcncy with this petition,
your memorialists obey not only the ckarita-
BILE impulses of our sex, but their profoundest
convictions OF humanity, patriotism andsound
policy. They believe that no single measure
could possibly contribute so much IS the re-
lease of Mr.. Davis to the perfect restoration
of kindliness and peace throughout the land,
and they are sure that none would be regard
ed elsewhere in the world as more conclusive
evidence of the confidence of our Government
and people in the harmonious and re establish
ed unity of these States. Your ncmorialists
would not venture to suggest even the noblest
personal considerations to your ExcclIency in
the performance of a public function, but
they trust 1t Will be regarded in no such light
if they express the hope that your Excellcncy
will be guided in your determination by the
ilustriOus examples of those nations and those
rulers, the record Of whose power is written
in the golden letters of magnanimity and
mercy.
Mrs COLEMAN then continued
You have ouf. petition before YOU, ana. ne
beg to add few remarks. Mr.. President,
almost every act of your administration has
been marked by wisdom ard moderation.
Mems hearts failed them for fear at thc time
of the death of Mr.. Lincoln, but day by day
the clouds have been lifted, and W., now see
the silver lining clearly. One great act re-
mains to be performed by you. Remember
'tis the keystone that makes the arch. All
else that there is put, is nothing, till that
come to bind and shut. We ask the release
of Mr.. Davis; the unconditional and imme-
diate release As the representative of his
party, he has lost all; you, as the representa-
tive of your party, have gained all. 1 be-
lieve him to be good and great man. He
was mistaken and has suffered. He was one
of "the sons of the morning." and has fallen
Now he is poor old man, and, in addition
to all he has endured, he must bear about
with him always the bitter consciousnes5a Of
defeat. a great mind Ike yours can appre-
ciate that trial. Now, in the evening, of
ife-no, that is past, in the night of Iife-it
must be dark night with him 10 the end
There is but one single solace left hini-thc
loving presence Of his wife and children. His
little children cry out in their dcstitution
upon their father for Jrc0d Oh. hear their
young voices and be piti!ul! In this, also,
you will show wisdom and moderation and
courage-to use good American word,
''pluck." Throw off the trammcls Of Il mar
rOw-minded party and act Ut Oncc, without
Cabinet consultations, and irrespective of
our gentle and genial Judge Advocate Put
the vexcd question, which l know has cost
Il -
'.What shall | 90 with Mr. Davis" forever
at rest. 1t is& difficult thing to bring him
rightly to trial; mere difficult sill to dispose
of him afterwards. 'Bchold, show you :.
more excellent way" Give us the pcrmis-
sion to go row to his prison, bearers of your
JMt pa do", and let him 20 quietly home
Ihe Southern Contedcracy' is gone the wave
has closed over it. 1t was a rich Grgosv
but its treasures are buried. With your help,
and by patience and skill, its 3,rcciSus Min1s
may again see the light, and grace and adorn
our common country. As to Mr. Davis Won
know 1t Is not, never can be in Lis power to
Interfere IN any way with the Government!
we nave not III cur petition vcntured to pre-
sent personal considerations to your Excel
lency. think myself however, that no man
0uSht % re above them, and l acknowledge
they weigh with me. L think they do with
= o70 "'"ss'ltcis oI yours. We have an
ambition to succeed in our mission Of love
and mercy. All fathers wish their children
to be ambitious, and we know that We shall
have little niche in history if we obtain this
great honor! We are all proud of YOU We
believe God raised you up as he did CYRUS
for this great work, and that he fitted you
for the task. We know that you are wise
aSEeat, we believe that yo. arc good
->EEo7e~1t now by acceding to cur PRAYER.
= Grant US royal pardon, and that ri2it yoy
ally. Send US away with melody in our
hearts: Mr.. President do not, as any COM
mOn-place man might 90, tell us to leave the