Weekly graphic. [volume] (Kirksville, Adair Co., Missouri) 1880-1949, 1881-01-28
An Evidence of the kindhearted-
ness of Abraham lincoln.

ness of Abraham Lincoln.
Louisville Courier Journals: In the
early winter of 1865, Maj. John H. Gas
tleman of the confedera." army, remain.
ed prisoner in close confinement AT
INDIANAPOLIS. in the custody of The fed
eral government under the charges:
Frst-for violating the laws OF war
Second-!or conspifin5 to release
rebel prisoners.
Third-,or melting instruction. in
violation of the laws OF war.
Fourth. For conspiring TO destroy
government property IN violation of the
laws o.. war.
Maj. General Alvin p. Hovey, com
handing the district of Indiana, and
Capt }. ID. Taylor. .judge-advocate fur
nished 10 the headquarters oithe armies
of the United States, i'll obedience to
the question Of the military secretary.
a copy of the charges and specifications
and of the testimony relied upon to
sustain them. In support Of their view
in opposition to deierrlng the trial OF
the prisoner through the influence of
family and attorneys, they wrote in
their report as follows:
The same justice which required the
trial and execution Of Beal and Kennedy
demands that Maj Castleman, whose
ability. daring and resources of men
and money were much greater than
theirs. should be held for trial
Judge Sam Breckenridge, ofSt. Louis
a brother-in-law and devoted friend of
Maj Castlcman had for several months
exer,ed every effort and used every
available influences to postpone a trial.
the result of which to use Capt. Taylor
expression was inevitable.
Judge Breckenridge anxiety led him
to appeal to president Lincoln for ad-
vice and assistance and the good-heart-
ed president listened to his statement
and then said: Now, Judge you call
tomorrow morning at o'clock and we
will give this matter further considsra-
ton. name an early hour so that we
may not he disturbed.
Pursuant 10 appointment. Judge
Breckenridge made an early call at the
White House and found Mr.. Lincoln
awaiting him IN the library. The
president al once led an unreserved dis
cusSion about kentucky and Kentucky
people. cvoking most particular inquiry
concerning Mr.. Lincoln relatives, who
were well known to Judge Breckenridge
and took occasion to express III warm
terms his admiration of John c Brock
inridge. and respect for Gen. Breckin
ridges great integrity and courage and
ability. The president ; regret that
the great Breckenridge was oneN of the
leaders of the confederate war. did not
blind him to his exceptional nobility,
nor obscure his recognition of the gifts
and culture that made John c. Breckin
ridge one of the first men Of his day.
An hour was then passed in talk be-
these two men Of extraordinary colo
quail power. in which the president
seemed to brush away tor the time all
recollection Of the bending war which
he was directing. and to obtain relief
from an unrestricted talk about agree
able matters that carried him away |
from all governmental concerns and Of
fetal duties. Recognizing then that at-
ter affairs of state would soon claim his
usual attention. lie said: Now Breck-
enridge, | have enjoyed this depression
and lets now turn to the
business at hand We must not forget
CaStleman. and have hit on plan that
will meet the requirements in the case.
| will therefore give YOU note to the
officer who may at the
time be in command, directing that no
execution shall take place till all the pa
pers in the case are referred to me.
Provided. however. that this note shall
be only known to yourself and
Mrs. breckenridge. and not de-
veloped to the proper officers
except for the purpose OF staying eXecu-
Jon. And meanwhile it must he I'M
ierstood that every influence shall be
used to postpone the case.
With this statement Mr.. Lincoln
COX his pen and wrote the following
etter:
EXECUTIVE MANSION. WASHINGTON,
Nov 29th, 1s6t-Maj. General Hovey.
" whoever may have charge at the j
proper time: Whenever John B. Cas- {
leman Shlil be tried, if convicted and ,
suspend execution until fur i
her orders from me, and send Inc the
'ecord A. LINCOLN t
The letter is written III Heat, legible
land, and only came to the knowledge !
md possession of Maj. Cast!eman with
II the last year. Upon the solicitation
If the writer the majo allowed the let '
er to lie published. At a future time | {
rope to be able to furnish some addition
L incts cnncerninn Ahraham Iinrnln | |