Letter from S. L. Hussey to Mississippi Governor William L. Sharkey; 1865

Documents
Letter from S. L. Hussey to Mississippi Governor William L. Sharkey; 1865

Document Network
Document Metadata

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

People

Davis, Jefferson, 1808-1889 Hussey, S. L.Sharkey, William Lewis, 1798-1873

Events

Conventions Conventions--Mississippi. Convention (1861)Conventions--Mississippi. Special Convention (1851)Emancipation and self emancipation Political Office--Appointment to office Political elections Secession. American Civil War

Military Units

Confederate States of America. Army Mississippi. Militia

Organizations

Confederate States of America--Congress Mississippi--Legislature

Occupations

Banking and Finance--Treasurers Legal Profession--Judges

Places

Mississippi--Hinds County. Jackson

Social Identifiers

Military Status--Veterans Political Identities--Unionists (United States Civil War)

Page 1

Jackson Miss.

Hon. W. L. Sharkey

Dear Judge—

As it is altogether uncertain when I may see you I wish to say to you, that if permitted, I purpose being a candidate at the next election for the office of State Treasurer. Perhaps you might be disposed to appoint me to that place—for I assume that you will make appointments, ad interim, to all the State offices. In that case I will receive it with pleasure, and reciprocate the kindness when an opportunity offers. That is, I shall be a candidate if I am considered sufficiently loyal. As to that it is perhaps not unknown to you that I opposed secession in 1851, & that I was elected State Treasurer in 1853 as a Union man. In 1861 I refused to vote at all—There being as it seemed to me, little to choose between secession and co-operation. Both were for resis-tance in some form, and I was opposed to resistance at all.

In short, I have not voted for

Page 2

convention legislature, president, or members of Congress, during the whole secession regime. As to office, I have neither sought nor desired it, under the Davis dynasty—and if I had, it is tolerably certain I could not have obtained it. But, to be perfectly candid, after secession was une fait accompli—after disunion was an accomplished fact—I wished well to the Con-federates. I served thirty days in the militia—but the law of the state obliged me to do so. For the rest I will say that I cordially approve the abolition of slavery. In five years, I believe every reflecting man will admit its sound policy. I can not conclude Judge without congratulating you on the opportunity presented to you. The work you will have in hand—that of reconstruction, re-organization, reconciliation—is a grand one. In its performance, you can, and I believe will, attain true and lasting glory for yourself, your epoch and your country.

I am truly & Respy your friend &c

S. L. Hussey.

Hon. W. L. Sharkey.

Page 3

S L Hussey
for Treasurer

Hon. W. L. Sharkey
Jackson Miss.