Letter from J. F. H. Claiborne to Mississippi Governor Adelbert Ames; November 7, 1874

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Letter from J. F. H. Claiborne to Mississippi Governor Adelbert Ames; November 7, 1874

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People

Ames, Adelbert, 1835-1933 Barrett, Frederick Canton, Unknown Claiborne, J. F. H. (John Francis Hamtramck), 1809-1884 Durbridge, Unknown Hendricks, Unknown Philips, Unknown

Events

Crime Crime--Affray Criminal Procedure Criminal Procedure--Amnesty Criminal Procedure--Pardon Slave trade--United States

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Mississippi--Executive Department

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Medical Profession Politicians Secretaries Tax Auditors

Places

Bodies of Water--Mississippi. Pascagoula River Louisiana--Orleans Parish. New Orleans Mississippi--Attala County. Zama Mississippi--Hancock County Mississippi--Hinds County. Jackson

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Page 1

[note] Nov. 7, 1874 [/note]

Hancock County Matters.

1.	Pascagoula River Minutes	—	Deliver Minutes to Auditor.
2.	Application for Hendricks Pardon	—
3.	,, Durbridges' Pardon	—	Letter relating to it in Jackson. I recommend it earnestly.
4.	,, Canton's pardon	—	ought to be granted, as the moral effect has been already produced.

Page 2

Zama, Nov 7^t^,

Dear Governor,

Severe illness from sore throat prevents me from going to wait on you to day. I would go to ask of you an act of grace—to urge & implore you to inter-pose your highest & noblest perogative in the pending dueling case. The duel was brought on by a woman—one whose conduct entitles her to no respect—and in the public opinion that always prev-ailed here—for dueling was as much a southern institution as slavery—Mr. Philips was forced to fight or be dis-graced. He has suffered severely—the expense he has been put to will embarass him for life and impove-rish his children. He has had to abandon his practice. Sufficient has been done to assert the majesty of the laws. No party will ever come here again to fight. You

Page 3

a notice to the world that will always be respected. Your past action in this matter will be approved & applauded. But public opinion every where now favors amnesty. The whole bar—the Press—the People—every where would applaud your action as wise, generous & magnani-mous. You would still, of course, have political opponents, but this act of grace would silence forever all personal assaults.

I beg you to believe I represent a unanimous public sentiment, and if I was on my death bed to day, I would implore you to do this act of mercy.

Your Friend

J F H Claiborne

I have to write in bed—will try to go to N. O. tomorrow to get medical care

Page 4

EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
STATE OF MISSISSIPPI.
Hancock County.

From J. F. H Claiborne
Address Zama
Dated Nov 7^th,, 74
Received ,, ,,
Answered [gap]

SUBJECT:

Asking the Gov to interpose in the Phillips duelling Case

ADELBERT AMES,
Governor.

FRED. BARRETT,
Private Secretary.