Letter from John A. Avirett, Jr. to Mississippi Governor John J. Pettus; February 21, 1862

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Letter from John A. Avirett, Jr. to Mississippi Governor John J. Pettus; February 21, 1862

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Each transcribed document contains links that connect it to other documents on the same topic in the collection.

People

Ashby, Turner Avirett, John A.Henderson, David Pettus, John Jones, 1813-1867

Events

Crime Crime--Murder Criminal Procedure--Pardon Military Events--Recruiting and enlistment

Military Units

Confederate States of America. Army

Organizations and Businesses

Mississippi. State Penitentiary (Jackson, Miss.)

Places

Alabama Arkansas Dallas (Tex.)Goldsboro (N.C.)Jackson (Miss.)Magnolia (Miss.)North Carolina Pennsylvania Talladega (Ala.)Virginia

Social Identifiers

African Americans Military Status--Military families

Vital Statistics

Marriage

Page 1

[seal]

Talladega Ala Feb 21st 1862

To his excellence
John J Pettus
Gov of Mississippi CSA

My dear sir

After a summer Campaign, under Col Turner Ashby of VA, I have returned to organize a company to man a six gun battery for the war. Among my men is a man, named David Hen=derson as true a man, and as good a solider as you would wish to see. He has a brother who while in this state has a very fair character; now confined in the penitentiary of your state. There are three of these brothers in the south: the other is in a regiment from Arkansas. The brother in your state was confined for killing a negro. If it is possible to get him reprieved it is brothers wish to take him in my Company, and

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by meritorious conduct, and gallant bearing to wipe, out the stigma that is now resting upon the family, and which is ~~now~~ deeply felt by Mr. David Henderson. Henderson's letters from his very aged parents in Pennsylvania indicate that they are good honest people. From my acquaintance with you, I am satisfied that if there is any hope of executive ^clemency^; that your excellency will not hesitate to inform me which is necessary to be done as I am entirely ignorant of all matters connected with law, and am moving in this matter from purely unselfish ^motives^ having in view the good of my Country, and the happiness of my fellow man. A petition setting forth the character of Mr Henderson while in this state and the irreproachable character the one hero asking for ~~the~~ ~~rel~~ executive clemency will be sent if necessary. My father has removed from Magnolia where I formed your acquaintance

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is now living in Goldsboro NC. I removed to this state in 1856, married in Dallas and am residing here. Our county has sent more than it's quote of troop inclusive of the last Call of the Governor.

I am most respectfully your most old friend & servnt
John A. Avirett Jr.

To his excellency
J J Pettus
Jackson
Miss.—