Bolivar County GenWeb

 

 

 

 

 

Jackson, Mississippi

August 16, 1865

 

To His Excellency Andrew Johnson, President of the United States of America

 

The undersigned your petitioner Dickinson Bell, a citizen of Bolivar County, Mississippi is an applicant for amnesty and pardon from the fact that he is included within the 1st exception to Your Excellency's general proclamation of amnesty of May 29, 1865:  he having held the office of Sub a collection of taxes for the County of Bolivar, under Confederate rule in Mississippi.  Your petitioner accepted the office of collector for his county in connection with the office of sheriff which he held for his county and as a means by which he could assist in support of his family.  Your petitioner has never held any political office, mingled little in politics, was a supporter of Bell and Everett and opposed the doctrine of secession.  Petitioner is not included in any other exception to Your Excellency's general proclamation of amnesty, may have perhaps about $15, 000 worth of land, and accompanies this application with the oath prescribed by Your Excellency , which oath he has taken in good faith and without mental reservation and with the conscientious determination to support and uphold.  And is most anxious to renew his allegiance to the Government of the United States and to become a true and loyal citizen thereof.  None of his property is in the hands of the Federal Authorities, no legal proceedings have been initiated against and he earnestly asks amnesty.

Respectfully,

/s/ Dickinson Bell

 

The State of Mississippi

I, Dickinson Bell, do solemnly swear (or affirm) in the presence of Almighty God, that I will heretofore faithfully support, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, and the union of the States thereunder; and that I will, in like manner, abide by, and faithfully support all laws and proclamations which have been made during the existing rebellion with reference to the emancipation of slaves.  So help me God.

/s/ Dickinson Bell

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 16h day of August, 1865.

/s/ W. L. Sharkey, Provisional Governor of Mississippi

 

Dickinson Bell, a citizen of Bolivar County, Mississippi

Petitioner for Pardon

 

Rebel Tax Collector

 

I am acquainted with the petitioner, believe this petition to be true. He will be a loyal citizen and informs me that none of his property has been seized or confiscated.

 

/s/ W. L. Sharkey, Provincial Governor of Mississippi

 

September 19, 1865

 

 

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