Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1882-04-27
FITX JOHN PORTER.
Another 0ignifisd and Manly Letter to the Pres.
ident tor Relief


ident tor Relief.
WASHINGTON, April 2l-At the cabinet
meeting to-day, Fitz John Porter was again IN.
der consideration on new petition from Gen.
Potter for relief from the sentence of the court
martial The petition was referred to the &C.
cretary of war.
GEN. PoRTER's LETTER.
WASHINGTON, April 2l.-Ths letter of Gen.
FitR John Porter TO President Arthur is as
follows:
Washington. u. c. Sir: have the honor to &C.
knowledge the receipt, through the secretary of
war; under date of the 18th inst, of your decision
upon my application of December "a 1881 ''to
annu and set aside the findings and sentence OF the
court martial in my case and TO nominate me to the
senate for restoration to my former rank in the
me powers OF the president, as expressed in the
opinion or the attorney general is. that compli-
auce with the application contained in my letter 10
not within your power" l may have misundsr-
stood the extent OF the constitutional power of the
president when asked you to do directly with the
aid OF the senate. that which board of distin-
Enshed army officers had, in the interest of justice
recommended should be done, but which yon-cou.
curing in the opinion Of the attorney seneraliu-
form me you have power only III part to perform,
and that special legislation by congress Is needed
20 complete the justice asked for My application
was based upon the recommendation OF an advisory
board appointed by the president ito examine into
H.,
ion, Justice required should be taken by the pfesi-
dent That board found and reported, after
long and patient examination and
CONSIDERATION OF ALL FACTS
IN the case, that my conduct" in all the events of
August, 1862, inquired into by the court martial
by which was tried, was in the light OF full evil
and also that which uuataiusble at the time of
my trial, mot subject TO criticism was much less
deserving of censure or condemnation, aud was
obedient, subordinate, faithful and judicious 1t
fha SF
August, and the advisory board recommend that
in their opinion justice required al his (the
presldentsD hands such action as may be neces-
sary 10 annul and set aside the findings
and sentence of the court martial fin the case Of
Major General FitZ John Porter and to restore him
to the position of which that sentence deprived
him, such restoration 10 take effect from the date
OF dismissal from the service" Relying also npou
the clear and emphatic language of the sad board;
that all essential facts in every instance, stand ont
IN clear and absolute contrast 10 those supposed
tacts upon Which he ID was adjudged guilty, and
that Il IS not possible that any martial should
have condemned such conduct il it had been cor
rectly understood; and believing / am entitled to
The complete and just yludicatlon recommended by
lhe board. and that the sentence Of the court-mar
tial subsequently proved by overwhelming and ir-
Fefrsglble testimony 10 have been
PALPARLY ERRONEOUS.
II Its basis OF assumed facts, and utterly destruc
tive OF the happiness and welfare OF an officer who
has never failed in the strictest and honorable
Hdelity to his government, should not be barrier
10 the relief TO which consider myself entitled
again renew TO yon as chief Justice my appeal for
Justice. Conscious Of my absolute aud entire inno-
cence, have not ceased, from the hour of the pro-
mitigation of the sentence OF the court. martial,
Persistenty TO protest against the terrible injustice
lone me, and have striven in every
proper mode TO secure my yiudication, as
the public records now before You will
FULLY established, | now respectfully and most
earnestly ask you will grant remission of that por-
tton OF the sentence of the court martial which
remains uuexecuted and carry into effect the
recommendation, Of the advisory board so far as
the same lies within your constitutional power and
transmit the result of your action. together with
the finding Of the board, to congress- coupled with
such recommendations in the premises as you may
leem just and proper. Very resDectfully yours
lSlgned, FITZ JOHN PORTER.