Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1866-01-19

The President sent to the Senate on the
10Th a message in response to a call Of that
body upon him for information in reference
to the case Of JEFF. Davis, enclosing COM
munication from Secretary Stanton, which
places upon Chief Justice Chase, the re-
sponsibility for the delay in bringing Davis
to trial. The Sscretary's communication is
as iollows
WAR DEPARTMENT, Jan. 4.
SIR II annex Senate resolution passed Dec
2lst, 1860, referred TO me by you for report and
have the honor to state
First. That jefferson Davis was captured by
L. 5. troops in the State Of Georgia. on or about
the tenth day Of May, 1865, and by order Of this
department been and now Is confined in
Fortress Monroe, to abide such action as may
be taken by the proper authorities Of the L. $.
Government.
Second That he has not been arraignei upon
any indictment or formal charge Of crime, but
has been indicted for the crime Of high treason
by the Grand Jury Of the District Of Columbia
which Indictment is now pending in the Su-
preme Court Of said District He Is also
charged with the crime Of melting the assassin
alton Of Abraham Lincoln, and with the mur-
der Of Union prisoners Of war by starvation and
other barbarous and cruel treatment towards
them.
Third. The President deeming 1t expedient
that Jefferson Davis should be first put upon his
trial, before a competent court Of jury, for the
crime OF treason, be was advised by the law Of
hcers Of the Government that the most proper
.. ,.I.. - % 81.
That State Is within the Judicial circuit assigned
to the Chief Justice Of the Supreme Court, VINO
has held no court there since the apprehension
u Davis and who declines, for an indefinite peri
Cd, to hold any court there. The matters above
stated, are, 80 far as am informed, the reasons
lr holding Jefferson DAVIS in confinement aud
why he is not brought to trial.
Fourth, Besides Jefferson Davis. the following
persons, who acted as officers Of the rebel gov
ment are imprisoned. % Wit; Clement {. b
Clay, At Fortress Monroe, charged with, am5ng 7
other things. with treason, with completely IN
the murler of Mr.. Lincoln, and with organizing .
bands of pirates. robbers and murlerers IN
Canada, t. m cities and rayage commerce ;
and coasts of loyal States. on the British from
tier. d. J.. Iu.ee at Fort ula,ai.charcel with
treason, while holding seat IN the Senate Of
the United States, AMI plotting to capture forts
and arseusls Of the United States. and with H.
citing war against the Government Of the Unit
Ell States.
:. r Mallory Is at Fort lafayette. charged
with treason and With organizing and setting on
foot piratcal expeditions against Uuitei States
and marine on the high seas. Other
officers Of the 50 called Confederate government
who where arrested and imprisoned have been
released on parole. to abide the action Of the
Government IN reference % their prosecution
and trial for the alleged Cdrnces, on their appIi-
cation for amnesty ami pardon. Among these
are g. a. Tr,uholm, Sec. Of the Treasury; John
4 Campbell, Asst. Sec Of War; james 4. Sei-
iCn, Sec. Of War; John II. Reagan, Postmaster
ienertl' r 81. &. Hunter, Senator; Alexander
Il. Stevens. Yice-President, and suairY other
persons Cf less note
Edwin " SraSr0v.
Sc. ~ War