The Norfolk post. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1865-1866, 1866-03-20
RECONSTRUCTION.

The reconstruction papers furnished
by the President to Congress, and just
laid before the members, are, as hereto
fore stated, very important. 1t isproper,
however, to say that the record of his
correspondence with the provisional
governors is very incomplete. That
documents are withheld, or copies were
not kept, is evident enough from the
Numerous gaps which occur, as we'll as
from the numerous references in those
which have been furnished to others
which are missing from the mass. A
correspondent of the Boston advertiser
has carefully selected everything bear
ing upon the question of Congressional
representation, and the readmission Of
the southern states to their former priv.
ileges in the government; and, incom-
plete as the record is, it will be found of
much significance in view of the rela-
tive positions of Congress and the Presi-
dent.
1t appears that on the 22d of August,
1865, the President sent to each of the
provisional governors a copy of the fol
lowing letter =
Information comes to me that re.
ports are freely circulating in influential
quarters, and where, without contradict
ton, they are calculated to do harm, to
the effect that in appointments to office
and In the recommendation for ap
polntment, the true Union men are
iUnnrpd = o.
ern6fs are giving u decided preference
to those who have participated in the
rebellion. The object of such repre-
sensations is to embarrass the govern
nDent in its reconstruction policy and
while place no reliance in such st tie.
ments, 1 feel it due to you to advise YOU
or the extended circulation they have
gained, and to impress upon you the
importance OF encouraging and strength
enlng, to the fullest extent, the men of
your state who have never faltered in
their allegiance to the government
Replies were received to this letter
from all the. governors but Governor
Marvin of Florida, and are as follows.
In the order of their dates:-
MONTGOMERY, ALA, Aug "a, 1866
40 AtS E1ceH<ncy AHQTeD Johnson
"Sir,-I have the honor to saw. in
cases of special appointments, Union
men have received preferences in every
instance where one reasonably qualified
would accept the Office. When such
could not be obtained, those least Objec-
tionable nave been appointed. In no
instance has Union man been neglect
ed or set aside for secessionists. All
county officers; from justice of the peace
down, were re-appointed by my procla-
nation, but reserving the right to re-
move for disloyalty or other good cause.
All the higher officers of the counties |
and state were specially appointed. A
very few cases only of removal, under |
the general appointments, have occurr-
ed. LEWIS +. PARSONs.u
JACKSON, MISS, Aug u.s. 1866.
]AndreW johnson, President
"Sir,-I have endeavored to avoid the
appointment or recommendation of Sc |
cessionists, both from inclination and |
duty. 1t has been an indispensable re-
quisite that parties applying should be
free from this objection. Perhaps in a
rev unimportant instances parties OBJ.
1ectionable in this respect may have
peen accidentally appointed, but never
rom oes.gn. lam sure the Union men
are satisfied.
Nv. L. SHARKEY.n
"kaLrIdn, N C., August 20. 1865.
SHE Prendent:- -
"SIR,-I have the honor to state in M
Instance in making appointment tn
office, or in recommending for appoint
ment, have 1 shown any preference for
persons who have participated in the
rebellion. On the contrary, have been
very careful to prefer and to appoint
persons who were originally Union
men, and persons who were in favor of
the authority of the Federal