BY THE PRESIDENT ON THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

Whereas, in and by the Constitution of the United States, it is
provided that the President "shall have the power to grant
reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States,
except in cases of impeachment;" and

Whereas, a rebellion now exists whereby the loyal State
governments of several States have for a long time been
subverted, and many persons have committed, and are guilty of
treason against the United States; and

Whereas, with reference to said rebellion and treason, laws have
been enacted by Congress, declaring forfeitures and confiscations
of property and liberation of slaves, all upon terms and
conditions therein stated, and also declaring that the President
was thereby authorized at any time thereafter, by proclamation,
to extend to persons who may have participated in the existing
rebellion, in any State or part thereof, pardon and amnesty, with
such exceptions and at such times and on such conditions as he
may deem expedient for the public welfare; and

Whereas, the Congressional declaration for limited and
conditional pardon accords with well established judicial
exposition of the pardoning power; and

Whereas, with reference to said rebellion, the President of the
United States has issued several proclamations, with provisions
in regard to the liberation of slaves; and