The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1869-01-07
General Amnesty.

President johnson, on day particularly
suited to the exercise of clemency-Christmas
day-gave utterance to a proclamation de-
elaring full pardon and amnesty to all en-
gagged in the late civil war not previously re-
lieycd This includes Jefferson Davis, John
G. Breckenridge, and all others without any
reservation, comprchending, we believe, under
the last Indictment, John Fl. Surratt-the par
ticular object of vengeance.
The proclamation has been very quietly re-
ccivcd, even by the most ultra radicals, who
thereby are released from extremely unpleas-
ant positions in many cases. Even the Wash
ington Chronicle, edited by Forney, indirect
ly felicitates its readers upon this happy con-
summation. This noted proclamation, which
will take its place as one of the most import
ant events in history, is as follows:
WASHINGTON, Dec. "a, 1868.
Whereas, the President of the United
States has heretofore set forth several procla-
nations offering amnesty and pardon to per-
sons who had been or were concerned in the
late rebellion against the lawful authority of
the Government of the United States, which
proclamations were severally issued on the
Sth day of December, 1863 on the 25th day
of March, 1864, on the 10Th day of May
1865, or the 7th day of September, 1867, and
on the Ash day Of July Of the present year
And Whereas, the authority of the Federal
Government having been re established in
the States and Territories within the jurisdic
ton of the United States, it is believed that
such prudential reservations and exceptions
as, at the dates OF said several proclamations
were deemed necessary and proper, may now
be wisely and justly relinquishcd, and that
an universal amnesty and pardon for partici
patton in said rebellion, extended to all who
bore any part therein, will tend to secure per.
manent peace, order and prosperity through
out the land, and to renew and fully restore
confidence and fratcrnal feeling among the
whole people, and their respect for and attach
ment to the National Government, designed
by its founders for the general good.
Now, therefore, be it known that I, AN
DREW JOHNSON, President Of the United
States, by virtue Of the power and authority
in me vested by the Constitution, and in the
name Of the sovereign people Of the United
States, do hereby proclaim and declare an
condiionaHy and erit1lont reservation TO al
and every person who, directly or indirectly
participated in the lete insurrection or re
bellion, a fuH pardon and amnesty for thu
ofense of treason against the United States
or adhering to their enemies during the lat
civil war, with restoration Of all rights privi
f leges and immunitics under the Constitution
and the laws which have been made in pursu
f ance thereof.
In testimony whereof have signed thes
presents with my hand, and have caused thu
seal of the United States to be hereunto at
| fixed
Done at the City Of Washington, the 25tl
day of December, in the year of our LORI
, one thousand eight hundred and sixty eight
and of the Independence of the United State
, Of America the ninety third.
, ANDREW JOHNSON
By the President
4 F. W. SEWARD, Acting secy of State.
r In accordance with the spirit of the fore
going proclamation, it is said that Senate
Ferry Of Connecticut, will introduces bill
!, removing all civil disabilities from those en-
] gsged in the civil war. This measure woul,
Y strike at the very root Of the crying evil 0
= tho dav