The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1866-04-11
Applications for Pardon.

In January and February last, I received
great many letters, inquiring about ap
plications for pardon sent me, whilst Pro :
visional Governor. could give no inform.
alton, except that the applications had
been approved and forwarded to the Pre-
sident. 1 knew that the applicants were
very anxious about obtaining their par
dons, and thought it . matter OF some
Importance to the parties that their par
dons should at once be secured. II any ac-
cident happened to President Johnson, snd
some one else should occupy the Executive
chair, system Of persecution and confis-
cation might be adopted. Intending to go
on to Washington to present my credentials
as United States Senator, 1 suggested to
Col. c. ]. Elford the propriety of his going
with me, and hunting up and procuring
these pardons. He had drawn a great
many OF the applications himself, and was
the agent OF great many others, through
their attorneys. l told him that had no
doubt the parties would liberallv compen-
safe him for his services 1 likewise said
to him. that would, whilst in Washington
render him all the assistance could i'm
procuring the pardons. In compliance
y,
go on to Washington with me. 1 went to
see the President. and he kindly agreed
that Col. Elford might get all the applica-
tions, under the thirteenth exception.
which had passed the Attorney-Generars
once, and that he would sign the pardons.
Accordngly, Col Elford did, after much
research, obtain a list Of all the applica-
tons which had passed through the Attor-
ey-General's Office for South Carolina he
then went to the Secretary Of States Office
and hunted up the applications from South
Carolina: They were thence carried to the
Mmte House, and there the Presidents
signature obtained to 400 or 500 pardons.
he then carried them to the Secretary of
states office and had them sealed and
by the Secretary OF State and re-
corded. He receipted for them in his own
name, and brought them home with him.
he was engaged very diligently in this
business Tor about two weeks. and really
supposed, as l did, that he was doing the
applicants great favor, for which they
would be perfectly willing to literally com
pcnsate him. 1t was we'll known that a
great many applicants had paid handsome
~ agents for going on and procuring their
pardons. 1t was likewise known that nm
less some one would undertake the trouble
winch Col: Elford performed, the pardons
would be delayed great while in the diff
lerent offices. The number Of applications
rendered it impossible for them to be at
tended to by, the President promptly.
1t seems, however, that some of the mar
ties have complained to the President. and
are unwilling to com oeusate Col. Elford for
ms trouble and expense. The President
has instructed me to inform Col. Elford
either to deliver the pardons free of choyoe
or return them to him. This have done
and Col Elford was disposed to return the
pardons; but Thought it would be better
TO retain them, and said to him if he would
turn them over to me, would keep them
tlll called for. This he has done: and /
now give notice that they are in my hands.
and will be delivered, free of any charge
to the parties when called for by them.
regret very much that have been the
cause Of Col. Elford incurrinp
great loss Of time and heavy expenses in
iolng what l supposed would cheerfullv
orlng HIM handsome compensation.
sought to do the applicants for pardon a
great favor, and in this have not been
disappointed. They will receive their par
ions, which might otherwise have remained
Tor long time in the Secretary of States
ofice, and then procured only by paving
an agent to hunt them up.
All that has been done by myself. in ns.s
curing these pardons, was done oheer =
and gratuitously for the parties, ard
neither expected nor would have req
any compensation. But could not,
TO my engagements in Washington, ys1
The eervices which Col. Elford perft 81
and which were absolutely g.
procure the pardons, - - = -