Letter from John Deavours to Mississippi Governor James L. Alcorn; June 7, 1871

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Letter from John Deavours to Mississippi Governor James L. Alcorn; June 7, 1871

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People

Alcorn, J. L. (James Lusk), 1816-1894 Deavours, John Hewson, H. F.

Events

Political Office--Appointment to office Political elections Political elections--Election of 1856 United States. Constitution United States. Constitution. 14th Amendment Voting Voting--Disenfranchisement

Organizations

Mississippi--Executive Department

Occupations

Attorneys General Notaries Secretaries

Places

Mississippi--Tishomingo County. Iuka

Page 1

Iuka Miss.
June 7^th 1871

Gov,,
J. L. Alcorn

Dear Sir;

I write you express-ly to know if the 14^th Article of the Constitution of the U. S. excludes all persons from holding Office at the present that held office before the Rebelion and afterwards engaged in the Rebelion. Does Section 3 of the above named Article, now exclude from holding office a man who was appointed Notary Public? as I held that Office in the year 1856. And afterwards engaged in the Rebelion. And further does it exclude all who held County offices? The Opinion of the Atty Gen. on this Question would give great Satisfaction in this Section.

I know as a private Citizen I manifest much presumption in propounding such Questions to your Excellency. I only do so as there are various opinions here as to who are entitle to hold County offices. And being one of the very few who advocated your cause in this section at the last Election gives me confidence in a Reply. And such at your earliest conven-ience will be greatfully Recieved. Verry Respectfully

John Deavours.

Page 2

PRECIS.
[gap]

No'. [gap]

Executive Office,
State of Mississippi,
County of Tishomingo

From John Deavours
Address Iuka
Dated June. 7. “71
Received —
Answered —

A notary public before the war desires opinion of Atty Gen as to his capability under these circumstances to hold office

JAMES L. ALCORN,
Governor.

H. F. HEWSON,
Private Secretary.