Letter from J. P. Allen to Mississippi Governor James L. Alcorn; February 18, 1871

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Letter from J. P. Allen to Mississippi Governor James L. Alcorn; February 18, 1871

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People

Alcorn, J. L. (James Lusk), 1816-1894 Allen, J. P.Hewson, H. F.Moseley, R. J.Sturges, William

Events

Criminal Procedure Criminal Procedure--Arrest

Organizations

Mississippi--Executive Department Political Parties Political Parties--Republican Party (U.S. : 1854- )Schools

Occupations

Education Professionals Law Enforcement Law Enforcement--Police Law Enforcement--Sheriffs Mayors School Principals Secretaries

Places

Mississippi--Lauderdale County. Meridian

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[seal]

Meridian Miss.
Feb. 18th 1871

Gov. J. L. Alcorn,

Dear Sir:

I venture to address your Excellency on the strength of a rumor that Mr. R. J. Moseley has been removed from the office of Sheriff of this (Lauder-dale county) As an old citizen of this place, identified with the people materially and politically, a change in such an important office deeply involves my public and private interests. I am thus candid with your Excellency in order, if possible, to make my apology good, for addressing you. My object is to direct ~~you~~ your Excellency's attention to the executive ability, firmness and integrity of Mr. W^m,, Sturges, for the past two years Mayor of Meridian, as manifest in the the improved financial condition of this city, the order and peace which has prevailed, despite the opposition he has met with on account of his fealty to the party with ^which^ your Excellency is identified, and which under your guidance is fast bringing the State to that position, which

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she occupies in your ideal of ~~the fut~~ her future, In my opinion, his appointment to the office of Sheriff, would secure the execution of the laws, regard-less of any consequences, affect-ing private interests⁠—and you know that "respect of persons" has been ~~has been~~ the bane of ~~peace~~ Justice in this country.⁠—and besides, he has in every difficulty, where others "flinched," he has not hesitated to bring about peace, by making arrests as a common policeman, and this, in the failure of the Sheriff to call out the "posse comitatus." To carry this county, where every thing depends on earnest work, it is absolutely necessary that none but Republicans "but put on guard." It is to be hoped that your Excellency will tender the office to Mr. Sturges and I assure you, that in the opinion of all good citizens, and the good results following from it, you will receive a full endorse-ment.

Resptlly
Your Obt Serv't

J P Allen
Principal Meridian High School.

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PRECIS.
[gap]

No'. [gap]

Executive Office,
State of Mississippi,
County of Lauderdale

From J. P. Allen
Address Meridian
Dated Feby 18 71
Received ,, 20 ,,
Answered [gap]

Concerning the removal of R. J. Moseley Sheriff

JAMES L. ALCORN,
Governor.

H. F. HEWSON,
Private Secretary.