Free Republic
Browse · Search
Bloggers & Personal
Topics · Post Article

To: StoneWall Brigade
Lee was never charged with treason.

Lee was indicted (charged) at the behest of Andrew Johnson but never tried. Following President Lincoln's instructions and his own desire to "Let us have Peace," General Grant granted Lee and those who surrendered Appomattox paroles which prevented the more vindictive of the Northern leadership from trying Lee or any of his officers and men for treason. I think that Salmon P. Chase who was the Chief Justice of the United States at the time concurred with Johnson that jefferson, lee, and others should be tried, but they both recognized obstacles both legal and political lay in the way.

Johnson granted pardons on July 4, 1868 and a broader one on December 25, 1868. It is considered that one or the other (or both) served to pardon lee for his crimes.

I also found this while double-checking dates. It is a copy of lee's amnesty oath.

127 posted on 01/18/2014 8:37:40 PM PST by rockrr (Everything is different now...)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 113 | View Replies ]


To: rockrr
Phooey - the preview worked but the final post didn't (I wish we could edit posts!)

 photo lee-amnesty-l_zpsfa8bdb9d.jpg

128 posted on 01/18/2014 8:39:24 PM PST by rockrr (Everything is different now...)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 127 | View Replies ]

To: rockrr

To put Lee and Davis on trial would put secession itself on trial. A losing proposition for the prosecution.


134 posted on 01/19/2014 4:55:36 AM PST by central_va (I won't be reconstructed and I do not give a damn.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 127 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Bloggers & Personal
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson