The Republican journal., 1869-06-24
il1Y 81, 1S6!
A RADICAL CONFESSION.

An instance of the power which a rasolute
man possesses to right a wrong against him
sell has ust transpired in the Courts of Hi
nois. We notice the fact, because it is of in
terest to Democrats everywhere, and especial
ly so to those who We're subjected TO indioni-
ties and prosecutions during the late war.
During that reign Of hate, bloodshed and
oppression, Il citizen Of Gaena, Illinois, a
Democrat in political opinion. Madison Y
johnson, was arrested at the instiga1ion of
Elihu b. Washburn, present Minister to
France, j. Russell Jones, present Minister to
Belgium, and several other WORTHLESS of like
complexion. Mr. johnson was imprisoned and
grievously abused on charge of treason but
for no fault save that he was Democrat
Being one of those men WHO "know then
rights, and knowing dare maintain" and
possessed Of the ability, pecuniary and other
wise, backed by an iron Will, he appealed
TO the Courts. Step by step, through al
the windings and twistngs and lodgings
of legal practice, he followed these men, as
myielding as a rock and determined as a
bloodhound, resolved TO force from them a
vindication Of his good name Al last they
Were brought to bay. They had lodged as
long rs lodging could avail. A heavy YER
dict for damages, in a ease as plain Is the
| sun at MONDAY, stared them in the face. But
Mr.. Johnson had not sued for money. He
did not want their pitiiul 9reenbackS. But
he did want a confession Of the wrong they had
done to him. SO the case was settled bv plac-
ing on the records OF the court the following
statement
State Of Illinois. 10 Davitss County. IS. In The
Circuit Court of 10 Davies, County May term, 1859
Madison Y. Johnson
vs.
j. Russell Jones' John c. Hawkins. Oliver p.
Hopkins, Elihu b. Washblrne and Br,.lncr smith
Trespass for false Imprisonment.
And now come the said defendants Jones. IIaw-
kns, and Hopkins, &c.. and admit that the said
pleas heretofore filed by them in said case. and the
matters and things therein set forth against said
plaintiff, are untrue in substance and in fact an d
the defendants ask leave of the Court to withdra "
the same, which is granted by the Court. And the
said defendants further confess the wrongful tres
pass and Imprisonment set forth in said declaration
and that the SAID defendants guilty in manner and
form as therein stated and set forth. and that said
plaintiff has sustained great damage thereby as is
alleged in said declaration: and said defendants
further confess that the said seizure and impri>on-
ments Of said paintiffwa~ Wrongful, UNJUST
lFIABl-E AND WITHOUT CAUSE. and the Sa id
plaintiff was INNOCENT of the violation of any
law OF of doing ANY ACT inimical to the Govern
ment Of the United States. and that said plain if
DID NO ACT, USED EXPRESSION OR EVER
ClSED NO INFLUENCE to the knowledge of said
defendants that was not in support of the GOVERN
MENT OF TIE UNITED STATES. ITS CON
STITUTION AND IT'S LAWS.
And inasmuch said suit was brought bv said
plaintiff (MaciSon Y. Iohn>on) for the personal
vindicaon of his character and conduct he releases
the said damages. except to the sum of one thou
sand dollars as the costs and expense, incurred by
the said plaintiff on account of said wrongful i'm
prisOnment
1t IS thereupon considered by the Court that the
said plaintiff have and recover of the said defend
ants, Jones. Hawkins. and Hopkins. the said sum
Of one thousand dollars and costs of suit and that
execution be issued therefor. =
Filed and entered of record May a, 1869
Mr. johnson deserves the thanks of every
Democrat in the country The confession
which he has forced from these men is not
only vindication of himself but of the whole
party that has been outrageously vilificd
and prosecuted