New-York tribune., 1868-07-04
A PROCLAMATION OF AMNESTY.
he President Of the United States.

Whereas In the month of July, Ammo DOmlnl
1861 in accepting the condition Of civil war which
was brought about by insurreetiOn and rebellion IN
several Of the States which constituted the United
States the two Houses Of Congress did solemny de-
clare that that not waged on the part OF the
Government in any spirit Of oppression nor for any pur
pose Of conquest subugatOn, for any purpose of
overthrOwing or interfering with the rights OF estab-
shed institutions of the States but only TO defend and
maintain the supremacy the Constitution of the United
States and 10 preserve the Union, with all the dignity
eoualtv and rights Of the several States unimpared
and that so these objects should be accomplished
the war on the part of Government should cease;
And whereas The President of the United States has
heretofore in the spirit of that declaration and with the
view OF securing for it ultimate and complete effect set
forth several proclamaOns Offering amnesty and pardon
to persons who had been concerned in the afore
named rebellion, which prOclamations however, were
attended with prudential reservations and exceptions
then deemed necessary and proper and which proclana
tous were respectively issued on the sth day OF
December, 1868; on the 2Gth day OF March, 1864;
on the 2gth day of May, 1865 and the 7th day Of
September 1867 and
Whereas, The said amentable civil has long since
altogether ceased, with an Acknowledgement by all
states Of the supremacy Of the Federal CONSTITUTION
and the Government heTeunder and there no longer
any reasonable ground 10 apprehend reneWai OF
the said civil war; any foreign interference or any un
the States to the Constitution and laws OF the United
States, and
Whereas II is desirable TO reduce the standing army
and 10 bring to a speedy termination military oecupa
ton, martial law, military tribunals, abndge-
ment of the freedom Of speech and of the press and
suspension Of the privilege of habeas corpus and OF the
right Of trial by jury such encroachments upon our free
institutions in time Of peace being dangerous 10 public
liberty incompatible with the individual rights OF the
citizen contrary TO the genius and spirit OF our repuD
can form Of government exhaustive OF the national
resources;
And whereas It is believed that amnesty and pardon
win tend 10 secure complete and universal estaDsh-
ment and prevalence OF municipal law and order IN con
formty with the Constitution of the United States ana
70 remove all appearances and presumption of retaa-
tory or vndicve policy the part of the Government
attended by unnecessary disqualifcations, palns'
pepalties confscatons and dlsrancblseinehls'
and on the contrary 10 promote ana
procure complete fraternal reconciliation among
the whole people with due submission TO the Con
ttuton and laws Now therefore, he il known, that
Andrew Johnson President Of the United States do by
rtue of the Constitution and in the Of the people
Of the United States hereby proclaim and declare uncon
ditionay and without reservation to all and to every
person who directly indirectly participated In the late
insuuection rebellion, excepting sueh per
son persons rs may be under present
ment or indictment in any Court OF the
United States having competent Jurisdiction upon
charge of treason or other felony full pardon and
amnesty for the oense OF treason against the United
states or Of adhernc their enemies during the late
civil war with restoration Of all rights of property eN
cent as 70 slaves and except also as TO any properly OF
which any person may have been legally dVes1ed under
the laws OF the United states.
In testimony whereof have signed these presents win
my hand and have caused the seal Of the United States 10
be heIeuuto affixed.
Done al The City Washington the fourth day Of JOY 10 s i
oui s"i1 '''' "1N " ~ ' ANDREW JOHNSON
By the President, WiLLiAh H. hE"AND' 0o'''"' :" 49,