The Norfolk post. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1865-1866, 1865-10-16
JEFFERSON DAVIS.
SOUTH CAROLINA ASKS THAT HE BE PARD0NED
PRESIDENT JoHNsoy,s RESPONSE


PRESIDENT JoHNS0WS RESPONSE
Judge Wardlaw, Alfred Huger, and
Colonel Dawkins, of South Carolina, OH
Friday afternoon had an interview with
President johnson at the White House.
They We're accompanied by w. w.
Trescott, Esq, Executive Agent of that
State.
The President, after the customary
preliminaries of reception, invited them
to he seated, when at once the cOnversa-
ton commenced by Judge Wardlaw in
forming him that they were a delegation
from the State Convention of South
Carolina, sent hither to present certain
memorials of that body. These memo
rails had been very CAREFUL considered
in the Convention, and he believed they
told exactly the truth. ..
The President inquired the Object of
the memorials.
Judge Wardlaw informed him that
Davis, A. II. Stephens, George A. Tren-
they had understood, by the kind inter-
phens and Trenholm had already been
released from close confinement and per-
mitted to return to their homes. He
would ask for Governor Mc(irath, either
a pardon or that he might be released on
his parole. They could assure the Presi-
dent no harm would result from such an
act of clemency. liz. .-..
The President replied thatall could not
be pardOned at once. The business must
be proceeded with gradually, and an ef-
fort made to execute the law. A dis
elimination was necessary as we go
along. 1t was too common expression
by way Of argument for clemency that
such a one had been pard0ned, and he
was Just rs bad as another who had not.
Judge Wardlaw replied that the dele
CATION presented no such argument as
that. ,.,. ~. 49,.
The President said sometimes the Pc
culiar locality had much to do with par
dons. Like many other things in hui
man affairs we cannot have liked rule.
Much depends on discretion and circum-
stances. If we know ourselves we want
to do what is best and just, and to show
a proper degree of humanity on the part
of the Government.
Judge Wardlow remarked that they
had not come hither to express their
own hopes and desires, but as delegates
from the South Carolina Convention, to
presen the memorials of that body in a
formal manner.
THE PREsIDENT.-We will, gentle
men, extend all the facilities and civili-
ties which the question requires. We
would prefer to pardon twenty men than
refuse one.
Judge Wardlaw replied that they did
not design to say anything with refer
ence to Governor cGrath, further than
that they believed much good would re-
suit by the exercise of the Executive
clemency toward him. III
Colonel DAYTON said: eff we can get
Governor McGYath paroled, 1t would be
a great relief to him at the present time"
Judge Wardlaw thanked the Presi-
dent for having released Messrs. Ste
piers and Trenholm. -
The President-We have that far an
ticipated your memorial.
MIR. Huger said: MT: trenholm was
one of their most useful men, ana tnere
was no doubt that he would exert all his
| power with view to entire harmony
| between the State and the government.
The President replied that he under
/ stood that was SO, and adding, II treason
! has been committed there ought 10 De
| some test to determine the power Of the
| government to punish the crime. He
Mas free to say that it was not mere
| contest between political parties, or a
question as to de tacto governments.
! Looking at the government as we do,
the laws violated, and an attempt made
at the life of nation, there should De a
| yindication of the government and the
1 Constitution, even if the pardoning
power were exercised thereafter. If trea-
son has been committed it ought to be
determined by the highest tribunal, and
l the fact declared even if clemency should
come afterward. There was no malice
or prejudice in wishing to carry out thai
duty. man.
well aware of that,
The President, resuming, said there
NAV he some unkind feeling on THU