Description:

Civil War

William H. Seward Forwards Johnson Pardon to Ex-Confederate in Virginia

 

2pp partly printed document issued from the U.S. Department of State, bearing the stamped signature of Secretary of State William H. Seward (1801-1872) as "William H. Seward" in the lower right corner of the first page. Issued from Washington, D.C. on July 16, 1867. A Philip & Solomons patriotic vignette is found at top. With a gorgeous red embossed "Department of State" eagle seal in the lower left corner of the first page, securing a pale pink silk ribbon through punched out holes. The second page is dated February 14, 1867 and is signed by Claudius Walke Murdaugh (1828-1898), an ex-Confederate Virginia lawyer, as "C.W. Murdaugh". Expected folds. Isolated minor foxing and discoloration, else near fine. 8" x 9.75".

 

The first page reads in part:

 

"United States of America.

 

Department of State.

 

To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting:

 

I Certify, That the document hereunto annexed [not included in this lot] is a true copy of the original on file in this department.

 

In Testimony Whereof, I, William H. Seward, Secretary of State of the United States, have hereunto subscribed my name and caused the seal of the Department of State to be affixed…"

 

The second page acknowledges the receipt of Secretary of State Seward's transmittal, and its prepared statement has been signed by Murdaugh as, in part:

 

"Sir:

 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the President's Warrant of Pardon, bearing date 6th October, 1865, and hereby signify my acceptance of the same, with all the conditions therein specified…"

 

Murdaugh likely signed this document in an official capacity as a lawyer, though ironically, he too had been the recipient of a similar presidential pardon.

 

President Andrew Johnson's initial attitude towards ex-Confederates was inflexible and unforgiving, yet over time, his policy softened. Johnson issued blanket amnesty to thousands of rehabilitated rebels over the first three years of his one-term presidency. Murdaugh was the recipient of such a pardon, as was the recipient of this pardon (unknown), and former President of the Confederacy Jefferson Davis, among others.

 

Claudius Walke Murdaugh was born in Virginia and graduated from William and Mary College and the University of Virginia. He began practicing law in 1850. He married Eugenia Dickson (1834-1920) in 1856, and they had nine children. Murdaugh served in the Virginia House of Delegates in 1855-1856, and again during the Civil War. He was commissary of the 3rd Virginia Infantry, second lieutenant in the 41st Virginia Infantry, then the 61st Virginia Infantry. He was wounded at the Battle of Salem Church in May 1863. After he recovered, he was assigned to “light duty,” promoted to captain, and assigned to General Kemper’s department.

 

President Andrew Johnson pardoned Murdaugh on July 17, 1865. Murdaugh returned to the practice of law and served as Commonwealth Attorney for the city of Portsmouth from 1878 to 1880. He joined the Readjuster political movement and became a local leader. In 1882, he was elected Judge of the Court of Hustings, and served from 1883 to 1889.

 

William H. Seward was already a well-established lawyer and New York state politician by 1835. He eventually served as Governor of New York between 1839-1842, and as a U.S. Senator between 1849-1861. He unsuccessfully campaigned as a Republican Party presidential candidate in 1860, but later served as U.S. Secretary of State between 1861-1869. 

 

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

 

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