Details
JOHNSON, Andrew (1808-1875), President. Autograph endorsement signed ("A.J") as President, addressed to the Secretary of War, Edwin Stanton (1814-1869), [Washington, 9 October 1865]. 1 page, 8vo (8¼ x 3¾ in.), cut from a larger leaf, in pencil, evidence of mounting on verso. [With:] An Executive Memorandum detailing the case of Private Riley Brown of the 22nd Ohio Volunteers with a secretarial cover note for Johnson's pardon on the verso.
JOHNSON PARDONS A SOLDIER "OUT OF PURE MERCY TO AN AFFLICTED PARENT"
A lengthy handwritten endorsement by which Johnson grants a pardon to Private Riley Brown of Company B, 22nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry, who had already been convicted of robbery and sentenced to two years in a military prison. After serving his sentence, Brown was to be dishonorably discharged with the loss of all pay due to him. In the memorandum detailing the case, Johnson is informed that the "Judge Advocate General states that he can make no favorable recommendation for clemency." Despite advice to the contrary, Johnson grants the pardon based upon the special nature of the case: "The father [of] Riley B. applies in person for the pardon of his son who is an old man and presents many reasons for the release of his son and excites much sympathy. Therefore out of pure mercy to an afflicted parent the pardon is granted."
Johnson was notoriously lenient in granting pardons; during his presidency he issued no fewer than 13,350 for participation in the rebellion and 564 for crimes.
JOHNSON PARDONS A SOLDIER "OUT OF PURE MERCY TO AN AFFLICTED PARENT"
A lengthy handwritten endorsement by which Johnson grants a pardon to Private Riley Brown of Company B, 22nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry, who had already been convicted of robbery and sentenced to two years in a military prison. After serving his sentence, Brown was to be dishonorably discharged with the loss of all pay due to him. In the memorandum detailing the case, Johnson is informed that the "Judge Advocate General states that he can make no favorable recommendation for clemency." Despite advice to the contrary, Johnson grants the pardon based upon the special nature of the case: "The father [of] Riley B. applies in person for the pardon of his son who is an old man and presents many reasons for the release of his son and excites much sympathy. Therefore out of pure mercy to an afflicted parent the pardon is granted."
Johnson was notoriously lenient in granting pardons; during his presidency he issued no fewer than 13,350 for participation in the rebellion and 564 for crimes.
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