Johnson, Andrew (1808-1875) [Pardon of Nathan B. Forrest for rebellion]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04977.01 Author/Creator: Johnson, Andrew (1808-1875) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Document signed Date: 17 July 1868 Pagination: 2 p. : envelope ; 45.5 x 28.8 cm Order a Copy
Pardon for ex-Confederate General Nathan B. Forrest of Tennessee. The pardon includes a provision against Forrest making use of or ever again owning slaves, and that he claim no property or the proceeds of any property that has been ordered sold by court of law. Accompanied by a Free Franked envelope. (c/s by William H. Seward). Features embossed seal on verso.
Andrew Johnson,
President of the United States of America,
To all to Whom these Presents shall Come, Greeting:
Whereas, N.B. Forrest of Tennessee, by taking part in the late Rebellion against the Government of the United States, has made himself liable to heavy pains and penalties;
And Whereas, the circumstances of his case render him a proper subject of Executive clemency;
Now therefore [let it be] known that I, Andrew Johnson... [illegible] ... In consideration of [illegible] premises, divers good and sufficient reasons me thereunto m[aki]ng, DO HEREBY GRANT to the said N.B. Forrest, a full PARDON AND AMNESTY [FOR ALL] OFFENCES by him committed, arising from Participation, direct or implied, in the said Rebellion, conditioned or as follows:
1st. This Pardon to be of no effect until the said N.B. Forrest shall take the oath prescribed in the Proclamation of the President, dated September 7th, 1867.
2nd. To be void and of no effect if the said N.B. Forrest, shall hereafter, at any time, acquire any property whatever in slaves, or make use of slave labor.
3rd. That the said N.B. Forrest, first pay all costs which may have accrued in any proceedings instituted or pending against his person or property, before the date of the acceptance of this warrant.
4th. That the said N.B. Forrest shall not, by virtue of this warrant, claim any property or the proceeds of any property that has been sold by the order, judgment, or decree of a court under the confiscation laws of the United Stat[es].
5th. That the said N.B. Forrest shall notify the Secretary of State, in writing, that he has received and accepted the foregoing pardon.
In Testimony [ther]eof I have herewith signed [my name] ...[illegible]... the Seal of the United States ...[illegible]...
...done at the City of Washington, this
[SEAL] Seventeenth day of July, A.D. 1868, and of the
Independence of the United States the Ninety-
third.
By the President: Andrew Johnson
Willm. H. Seward Secretary of State.
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