The tri-weekly news. [volume] (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1865-1876, 1866-12-15
of the ex-Confederate General Pickett
for pardon.
THE CASE OF GENERAL PICKETT.


1t appears that !, Judge Advocate
General Holt recommended that GEN
eral Pickett be brought to trial upon
the charge of having murdered twen-
ty-two Union prisoners of war; but
the Secretary Of War declined to do
this, on the grounds that the Supreme
Court had decided against military
tribunals trying such cases.
General Pickett addressed letter
to the President asking for amnesty,
and also one to General Grant asking
his favorable consideration, and ex-
planning the circumstances under
which the men were executed. He
said that he, was simply acting as the
general commanding the Department,
and under the sanction of the Confede-
rate Government. General Grant
made an endorsement on the letter to
the President, recommending clemcn-.
cy, or that an assurance be given that
notrial should take place for offences
charged against General Pickett
General Grant said :,
"During tho rebellion belligerent
rights were allowed to the enemies of
our country, and it is clear to me that
the paro cgy N BY tie mics laying
down their arms protects them against
punishment. for acts lawful in any 9th
or belligerent. The punishment of
the men was II harsh one, but it was at
a time when the enemy, no doubt felt
it necessary to retain by some power
the services of every man within their
reach. General. Pickett L know per-
sonally to be an honorable man, but,
in this case, his Judgment prompted
him to do what cannot now be sustain
cd though l do not sec any good
either to che friends of the deceased,
or as fixing an example for the future,
can be secured by his trial now. 1t
would only open up the question
whether or not the Government did
not disregard its contract, entered in
to to secure. the surrender of an armed
cnemv.'
WAsHINGToN, Decemher l2.--In the
House, yesterday Stevens made a
speech on the bill to repeal the stamte of
limitation with regard to treason and
capital offences. He opposed the bill,
contending that the crime of treason was
one which most required to be quoted |
by time. The olfence was continuous I'M
til n peace proclamation was issued. He
understood that the man, at the other
end Of the avenue had issued some
pieces ofpapcr, but he did not regard |
them as proclamations of peace. Those
who rcbelled against The Government
should bepunisied as captives.
No action was taken on the bill.
Inlhe Senate. to-day, Mr.. Wilson
gave notice that tomorrow he will in
troduce bill W continue in force the
Freedme,iS Bureau and to amend the
act establishing it.
! Mr. Morgan introduced Joint reso,
luton of thanks TO Cyrus w. Field, for
his services in laying the. Atlantic Ca
ble. Referred to the Committee on
Foreign Relations.
Mr. Tnmbull introduced resolution
calling upon the President to inform the
Senate whe,h any person appointed to
auy ollicereqnired by law to be filed by
copsent.of the Senate, commissioned
during the recess of the Senate previous
tolhe assembling of The present Con 4
.gress, has been continued in such Office
siuce the end Of the session withont the.
submission Of tie same TO the Senate for
confrmaiion--and particularly. whether
u surveyor or naval officer of the port
of philadelphia has been SO continued
IN office without tae consent of the. Sen
ate, and so whether he has received
compensation therefor. Adopted.
The suffrage bill for the District Of
Columbia wsis then taken up. Mr.
Brow. took lie floor in advocacy ofthe
right Of female suffrage.
In The House. unanimous consent
WAS asked for the introduction Of reso.'
.btions assigningto the loyalSstatcs tbe
right TO tax National Banks iii lien of
.of State ciaims for war expenses. Call
n N IL ~ = a /. 4