Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1867-05-22
Hon. Jefferson Davis.

oises a detailed account of the late arraign-
ment of Mr. Davis before the United States
District Court for the Circuit Of Virgins, but
its length prohibits, our publishing IT.
After the announcement by 4he Attorney
General that the Government did not intend
to prosecute the trial of Mr.. Davis at the
present term, a discussion arose as to the pro-
priety of Mr.. Davis giving bail, whereupon
The Court said Tie question is whether
the offence is balaole. Itis a little remarka-
ble that in the midst of gigantic civil war
the Congress OF the United States changed
the punishment of All offence with death to
fine and imprisonment; but under the circum-
stances il was very honorable to the Covers
ment Of the United States, and exhibited its
clemency and moderation. This is laet
which relieves the present case Of every doubt
MS to its being ba'ab'e. And it is also, inmy
judgment. emiaen'lv proper tha! the motion
should bc treated with iayor, as he defendant
has been ready or Il year 10 submit his cas-
10 The courts Of the country. 1t is true The
prisoner has not, until 10 day, been IN the
custody of this curt. thiuk. however, no
-sperson acquainted with the circumstances Ct
t.c country, would suppose the fact reflected
on the Justice Of the Government. Cpnsid-
ering the natural effect Of great war which
lashcd all elements of society into fury, it
was not to be expected the passions and pref
udiccs aroused would be subdued 10 mo-
nent. And it is in consequence OF the pre-
yalence of this disturbance ard tumult, which
have been abroad in the community, that the
Government has fel. that it could not safely
proceed with the case. After consultation
with the highest judicial officer, it was thought
best to omit the trial last fall, hut, fortunate
lv, we have more agreeable aspect at the
,,resent time. We may noW hope for restored
confidence and that we may not be afraid OF
being disturbed BY violence and cotnrnotlon
think there are reasonable assurances in the
indications around US, that we are about to
enter on peace more permanent than ever
existed before.
l ought, perhaps, to state the fact that this
court expects to be in session all this week,
and have received letter from Chief JUS
tice Chase, intimating his intention to come
to this city if any inoortant cases are | kelf
to be tried. l ought, perhaps, also to say, III
Justice 70 the District Attorney. that he ex-
peeted to dispose of this case during the
present term believe he was fully prepared
Tor the fiual disposition Of it at this time.
Bet have no donb that grave considerations
have induced the government to take dif-
farent course. So, it seems. the responsible
ty of the trial is with the government, and
not with the court or District Attorney, and,
no doubt, for good and proper reasons. The
government cannot complain, since the delay
is its own. e
/ am glad counsel have agreed on the
amount of bail. II meets. with the approba.
ton Of the court, which will not confne the
sureties to the District of Virginia. 1t would
no doubt be satisfactory if about half the sure
ties be confined to the State Of Virginia.
There is no objection to having the remainder
of the bail from other portions Of the United
States. l would inquire of. the counsel .or
the prisoner whether his sureties are present
to enter into recognizances to-day.
Mr.. O'Conor-They are all present.
Mr.. Davis during these proceedings ex-
hibited much cheerfulness, especially as many
persons in the crowd extended their haDds to
congratulate him on the prospect Of his speedy
release.
The Court-The gentlemen proposing to
offer themselves will please to come forward.
Mr. O'Conor, addressing Horace Greeley,
who was seated next to Augustus Schell, ir-
vited him to present himself before the court
Mr.. Greeley did so.
Dist. Attorney Chandler said there were
eighteen gentlemen who would qualify in the
sum OF FIVE thousand dollars each. leaving
two others to become securities, ~ho would
probably arrive this evening. He was entirely
satisfied with the list of names and the re-
sponsibi!ity attached to them. He asked the
courtto take recess.
Mr.. O'Conor-I am not so certain that they
will arrive tonight, may be, rot till Tomorrow.
Meanwhile introductions to Mr.. Davis and
hand-shaking continued, and there was now
much coInmotion all over the courtroom.
District Attorney Chander.-Inasmuch as
eighteen gentlemen have offered, | make no
Mr.. O'Conor.-We are waiting for two gen
tlemen, and while VIC are waiting, twenty
others are willing to take their places.
The names of the securities were severa'ly
called, anG they repaired to the clerks desk,
and signed the following paper:
The condition Of this reeognizance IS such
that if the said Jefferson Davis, shall, in
proper person, well and truly appear at the
Circuit Court of the United States, for the
District of Virginia, to be held at Richmond,
in the said District, on the fourth Monday Of
November next, at the opening Of the court
on that day, and then and there appear, from
Il, I,y IL
whatever shall be then and there ordered and
odjudged in respect to him With said court,
and not depart from the said court, in that be-
half first had and obtained, then tine said re-
cognizance to become void, otherwise to re-
main in full force.
Taken and acknowledged this thirteenth
day of May, 1867.
[Signed JEFFERSON DAVIS.
Horace Greeley, New York.
Augustus Schell, New York.
Aristides Welsh, Philadelphia.
David K. Jackman, Philadelphia.
w. II. MacFarland, Richmond.
r. B. Haxal, Richmond.
Isaac Davenport, Richmond.
Abraham Warwick, Richmond.
G.. A. Myers, Richmond.
". ". Crump, Richmond.
James Lyons, Richmond.
gohn 4. Meredith, Richmond.
William E.Lyons, Richmond.
John Minor Bets, Virginia.
Thomas ". Boswell, Virginia.
james Thomas, Jr, Richmond.
The name of Horace F. Clark, of jtxe,s York,
was adde's, he having sent note Gor that
purpose.
When the name Of John Minor Bolts vas
called, it was hissed.
Mr.. Chandler said the requisite number
had been obtained, with the exception of two
or three only.
The Court-The Marshal will A1eharge