1
10
22
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https://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/files/original/7/2304/coatesletter.png
af9d4b23c568df62a79b38ef8dc5d919
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Against All Odds: The First Black Legislators in Mississippi
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DeeDee Baldwin<br /><em>Assistant Professor, History Research Librarian</em><br /><a href="mailto:dbaldwin@library.msstate.edu">dbaldwin@library.msstate.edu</a>
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<p>Jackson Jany 20th 1876</p>
<p>Gov. Ames:</p>
<p>Dear Sir,</p>
<p>A few days ago I met Mr Rothschild (whom you appointed city Judge) at Vicksburg — His appointment meets the approval of all the good and fair-minded people of the city — He is liberal, worthy, competent and honest — He is one of the most prominent Jews of the city — He is liked by the whites and commands the confidence and respect of the colored people — An appointment more creditable to yourself or acceptable to the people could not have been made The Mayor, Dr. O’Leary will cheerfully give way so soon as Mr Rothschilds appointment is, confirmed by the Senate. — He requested me to say to you, that you would confer a great favor by sending his appointment to the Senate for its action, at your earliest convenience—</p>
<p>From your friend and Obt Sert<br /><a href="https://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/milton-coates--warren-county-">Milton Coates</a></p>
<p>P. S.<br />Am going to Canton this eve Will call when I return as I wish to see you on business</p>
<p>Yours &c<br /><a href="https://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/milton-coates--warren-county-">M. C.</a></p>
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Letter from Milton Coates to Governor Ames
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Letter from Milton Coates to Governor Adelbert Ames.
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Coates, Milton, -1892
Date
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1876-01-20
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<a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/milton-coates--warren-county-"><span style="font-weight:400;">Coates, Milton, -1892</span></a>; Vicksburg (Miss.)
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Document at the <a href="https://cwrgm.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Civil War & Reconstruction Governors of Mississippi Project</a>. Original held at the Mississippi Department of Archives & History.
ames
coates
vicksburg
-
https://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/files/original/7/2300/hortonletter.png
28539ca51a499358f61fe93b940e28b3
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Against All Odds: The First Black Legislators in Mississippi
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DeeDee Baldwin<br /><em>Assistant Professor, History Research Librarian</em><br /><a href="mailto:dbaldwin@library.msstate.edu">dbaldwin@library.msstate.edu</a>
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<p>Greenville Miss March 1st 1876</p>
<p>To his Excellency<br />Governor Ames</p>
<p>it becomes my duty to inform you that I was duluy appointed to the offices of Justice of the Peace in Third District of Washington County on the 8 day of Feb 1876: all of wich a parte of the Greenville bar Said that you had No right to appoint me<span> </span><a href="https://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/gilbert-horton--washington-cou">Gilbert Horton</a><span> </span>as Justice of the Peace and if I <a href="https://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/gilbert-horton--washington-cou">Gilbert Horton</a> was to arrest any one that they had any thing to do with they would advise him or her to take a Shotgun and Shut the Tope of a costable head off and then send them to Shut me for Acting under that the appointment I Receved from your Excellency: and they have also made upe their mindes to not Let my Bond or any I can make be aproved. I think might was the very best Bond and I do not think it would be aproved. I made one of Twenty Two hundred Dollars, and then the Clerk would not aproved it but did not Give any reson more than he culd not take them now: I aske C. W. Clark, him to Signed Bond knowing that the Colored Republican had been all ways true to him here, but he is not tue to aus why when he want our Supporte: him for office: but he C W Clark Stated that he did not think your Excellency had right to make such appointment and what dus your Excellency think of that for a Remark for a good Republican Every Democrate as said the same things I say I am don with such Republican, with him and other Lik him had kill our party today appeared to own his Name and tak a stand Public Cinttiment has got him down: down: so I shall close by saying to your Excellency</p>
<p>I hope to hear from you soon and know best What to do</p>
<p>Very Respectfully<br /><a href="https://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/gilbert-horton--washington-cou">Gilbert Horton</a></p>
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Letter from Gilbert Horton to Governor Ames
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Letter from Gilbert Horton to Governor Adelbert Ames.
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Horton, Gilbert, -1894
Date
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1876-03-01
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<a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/gilbert-horton--washington-cou">Horton, Gilbert, -1894</a>; Greenville (Miss.)
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Document at the <a href="https://cwrgm.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Civil War & Reconstruction Governors of Mississippi Project</a>. Original held at the Mississippi Department of Archives & History.
ames
greenville
horton
-
https://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/files/original/7/2233/randolphletter.png
9e7228308fd656882c2eb1aecb180b4b
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Against All Odds: The First Black Legislators in Mississippi
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DeeDee Baldwin<br /><em>Assistant Professor, History Research Librarian</em><br /><a href="mailto:dbaldwin@library.msstate.edu">dbaldwin@library.msstate.edu</a>
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<p>Shell mound Miss. Oct 21st 74</p>
<p>His Excellency<br />Gov. A. Ames.</p>
<p>Dear Sir,</p>
<p>In your favor of 13th ult. you requested me to name two more suitable persons to complete the Board of Examiners of this Representative District—to wit Leflore and Sunflower counties—the same which I have the honor to Represent. In Justice to that portion of my constituency including the later county, I would recommend that you appoin-t one of the number from that county and as I know of no persons more competent over there would name Hon. G. W. Bowles, the clerk of the courts of that county—with whom you are, no doubt, intimately acquainted. Then I would name Hon. D. N. Quinn. The efficient Sheriff of this—Leflore—county. You know these Gentlemen personally and it is useless for me to say anything as to their ability for the places. I can but thank you for honoring me by placing me on the Board and will spare no pains to give entire satisfaction.</p>
<p>Yours Truly<br /><a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/john-w--randolph--sunflower-le">Jno. W. Randolph</a></p>
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Letter from John W. Randolph to Governor Ames
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Letter from John W. Randolph to Governor Adelbert Ames.
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Randolph, John W., active 1874-1907
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1874-10-21
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<a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/john-w--randolph--sunflower-le">Randolph, John W., active 1874-1907</a>; Leflore County (Miss.); Sunflower County (Miss.)
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Document at the <a href="https://cwrgm.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Civil War & Reconstruction Governors of Mississippi Project</a>. Original held at the Mississippi Department of Archives & History.
ames
leflore
randolph
sunflower
-
https://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/files/original/7/2232/smithletter.png
e70f51796f786a0674b607ac8a6b652f
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Against All Odds: The First Black Legislators in Mississippi
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DeeDee Baldwin<br /><em>Assistant Professor, History Research Librarian</em><br /><a href="mailto:dbaldwin@library.msstate.edu">dbaldwin@library.msstate.edu</a>
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<p>THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI.<br />Legislative Department,<br />HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,<br />Port Gibson, Miss., Decem 27th 1874</p>
<p>To His Excellency Governor Ames;</p>
<p>Dear Governor;</p>
<p>From developments of the past week and unmistakable indications of to-day there is a movement on foot, it may be in shape of a petition, to have R F Gordon appointed to the position of Circuit Clerkship made vacant by the death of Frank H. Smith. About a month ago a committee was appointed by a mass meeting of republicans to wait upon R F Gordon to have him head our local election ticket. At that time it was indeed a difficult task for our party to select a candidate who was really eligible. Our material was indeed scarce, and we were in a precarious condition. R. F. Gordon had always enjoyed the patronage of the Republican party; has occupied several offices in the gift of the Republican party, and agreed to keep secret, when the committee waited upon, its action. The committee having waited upon him, felt safe in making him the standard bearer of our municipal election. About twenty four hours prior to the opening of the polls it became known that R F Gordon was our candidate for mayor. On hearing this the “White Liners” monopolized his society and succeeded in their attempt to have him withdraw his name from the ticket. Gordon came out on the corners of the streets in a card denying any connection with the ticket entirely. This threw our party out of the field altogether, and left the “Liners” only to walk into office. And, sir the most significant charge we prefer against Mr Gordon is the fact that ^he^ voted the straight “White Line” ticket, thus severing his connection with the Republican party as<span> </span>known here.</p>
<p>There are a few of his personal friends, backed by the “White Liners,” who are endeavoring to secure his appointment to this office. It is obvious that they do not reflect the wishes of the republicans but consciously incurring the bitter hostility of the dominant party. I am of opinion, sir, that such an appointment, repugnant as it undoubtedly would be to our party, giving a democratic com-plexion to a republican office, would result in serious consequences to the party.</p>
<p>The Republican Executive Committee of the county meets on the 29th inst at which meeting it will recommend some one. It is desired that action on your part be defered until this recommendation be made.</p>
<p>Yours Respectfully<br /><a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/haskin-s--smith--claiborne-cou">H S Smith</a></p>
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Letter from Haskin Smith to Governor Ames
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Letter from Haskin S. Smith to Governor Ames.
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Smith, Haskin S.
Date
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1874-12-27
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<a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/haskin-s--smith--claiborne-cou">Smith, Haskin S.</a>; Claiborne County (Miss.)
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Document at the <a href="https://cwrgm.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Civil War & Reconstruction Governors of Mississippi Project</a>. Original held at the Mississippi Department of Archives & History.
ames
claiborne
h smith
-
https://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/files/original/7/2231/matthews.png
440fa97fe01d7ef61065bc2ea8b3353f
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Against All Odds: The First Black Legislators in Mississippi
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DeeDee Baldwin<br /><em>Assistant Professor, History Research Librarian</em><br /><a href="mailto:dbaldwin@library.msstate.edu">dbaldwin@library.msstate.edu</a>
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<p>Sardis Miss Dec 3<sup>rd</sup><span> </span>1874</p>
<p>His Excellency<br />Adelbert Ames—<br />Governor of the State of Miss</p>
<p>Dear Sir</p>
<p>I hereby tender my resecnation as a member of. the. Legislature. And I hope that your Excellency will accept of the same I am Yours Obt Servent</p>
<p><a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/d--t--j--mathews--panola-count">D. T. J. Matthews</a><br />member of the hous of Rept of Panola County</p>
<p>over</p>
<p>I will in short give your Excellency my reasons for resiging And it is this for Capt H J Harding County Supt of Education has reasently been appointed Post master at this plase. Sardis and has resigned his office as county Supt of Education And as I am the unanomouse choice to fill his vacancy I desire to be released so I can under the constitution & I have others not worth while to mention &c</p>
<p>I hope you will act upon it and let me know Instanter as the matter has to be attened to</p>
<p>to right off Harding takes charge of the Post office next Monday and the schools going on there will have to be some one appointed I hope your excellency will attend to it right off and</p>
<p>oblige Re Yours<br />Obedient Serv<br /><a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/d--t--j--mathews--panola-count">D T J Matthews</a></p>
<p>Appt<br />Accept<br />A. A.</p>
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Letter of Resignation
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Letter of resignation from D. T. J. Mathews to Governor Ames.
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Mathews, D. T. J. (Daniel T. J.)
Date
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1874-12-03
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<a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/d--t--j--mathews--panola-count"><span style="font-weight:400;">Mathews, D. T. J. (Daniel T. J.)</span></a>; Panola County (Miss.)
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Document at the <a href="https://cwrgm.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Civil War & Reconstruction Governors of Mississippi Project</a>. Original held at the Mississippi Department of Archives & History.
ames
mathews
panola
-
https://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/files/original/7/2215/whlynch.png
e638167f89b0c80d175888ef2140bc5c
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Against All Odds: The First Black Legislators in Mississippi
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DeeDee Baldwin<br /><em>Assistant Professor, History Research Librarian</em><br /><a href="mailto:dbaldwin@library.msstate.edu">dbaldwin@library.msstate.edu</a>
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<p>Natchez June 10th 1874<br />To His Excellency<br />Adelbert Ames<br />Governor of Mississippi</p>
<p>My Dear Sir</p>
<p>Your reply to my telegram of date June 6th was received this morning. And in reply would State that whoever was your informant is guilty of a bare misrepresentation of the facts as they Exist in the overflowed districts in this County. The laboring Classes are in more need now than they were at any time since high water. for the reason that since the water has begun falling. They the (laborers) are Endeavoring to pitch there crops, and as they cannot get advancements from the merchants until their crops are sufficiently advanced as to guarantee the merchant of his pay,</p>
<p>They the (laborers) have Either to abandon their crops in the overflowed districts and flocks to the towns in order to keep from starving.</p>
<p>I think however If rations could be furnished until such a time as the laborer could receive advancements on his corps which could be done in about 3 weeks Every thing would work right. There are about Six hundred who are actually suffering in this County. Every day applications are made to me for assistance. And I can only ask them to await the result of my appeal to the Governor.</p>
<p>Hoping you will see the necessancy of immediate action in our behalf, I am truly your Obedient Servant</p>
<p><a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/william-h--lynch--adams-county">Wm H. Lynch</a></p>
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Letter from William H. Lynch to Governor Ames
Description
An account of the resource
Letter from William H. Lynch to Governor Adelbert Ames, regarding aid for victims of the 1874 Mississippi River flood.
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Lynch, William H., active 1872-1888
Date
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1874-06-10
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<a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/william-h--lynch--adams-county">Lynch, William H., active 1872-1888</a>
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A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Document at the <a href="https://cwrgm.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Civil War & Reconstruction Governors of Mississippi Project</a>. Original held at the Mississippi Department of Archives & History.
adams
ames
wh lynch
-
https://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/files/original/7/2214/bwletter.png
50397c1511e34c55ac37a9ec263cd86f
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Against All Odds: The First Black Legislators in Mississippi
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DeeDee Baldwin<br /><em>Assistant Professor, History Research Librarian</em><br /><a href="mailto:dbaldwin@library.msstate.edu">dbaldwin@library.msstate.edu</a>
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<p>June 6, 1874</p>
<p>Mayersville Miss<br />June 6th 1874</p>
<p>Governor A. Ames</p>
<p>Dear Sir</p>
<p>it is with pleagure to write you a few lines to ask who was the signer of the petition of Issaquena county for Government Rashen Governor the question is this we the People do not Think that the Recent overflower has done that much damage to the county, but think the party are only after skining for them themselfs your Hon. Please if it is possible to send the petition to me or the names of thos whom petition you for Rashins I and great many more of this county well be please to know as we well have the taxes to pay for said Rashins: write soon</p>
<p>Your Respectfully<br /><a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/stephen-b--blackwell--issaquen">S. B. Blackwell</a></p>
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Letter from Stephen B. Blackwell to Governor Ames
Description
An account of the resource
Letter from Stephen B. Blackwell to Governor Adelbert Ames, regarding rations for victims of the 1874 Mississippi River flood.
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Blackwell, Stephen B., 1849-
Date
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1874-06-06
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<a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/stephen-b--blackwell--issaquen">Blackwell, Stephen B., 1849-</a>
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A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Document at the <a href="https://cwrgm.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Civil War & Reconstruction Governors of Mississippi Project</a>. Original held at the Mississippi Department of Archives & History.
ames
blackwell
issaquena
-
https://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/files/original/7/2187/petition.png
1ae2877876264505bf078d4f1fe23742
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Against All Odds: The First Black Legislators in Mississippi
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DeeDee Baldwin<br /><em>Assistant Professor, History Research Librarian</em><br /><a href="mailto:dbaldwin@library.msstate.edu">dbaldwin@library.msstate.edu</a>
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<p>Feby 2—1874</p>
<p>To his Excellencey<br />Adelbert Ames Governor of the State of Mississippi</p>
<p>The undersigned Senators and Representatives of the several Counties Composing the Fifth Judicial District Respectfully show unto your honor that on the second day of February A D 1874 there was passed through both Houses of the Legislature a Bill Entitled Senate Bill No Entitled An act to [gap] In the fourth Judicial District and for other purposes</p>
<p>We would further Represent that this Law was passed in a hurry without due deliberation is manifestly unjust and oppresses [?] the Judge of the 5th Judicial District. In this that the Terratory in question is about equally Divided While the amount of population and the amount of business transacted in the Fifth District is almost equal to all of the Business Trans-acted in the first and fourth District in point of Time consumed and in population</p>
<p>The population of the Fifth being upwards of Nine Thousand While the Combined population of the First and fourth Districts Barely Exceeds Ten Thousand The Judge of the Fifth District is required to hold his Court for Twenty Eight Weeks while the Judge of the First District is only required to serve for Fourteen Weeks</p>
<p>It seems to us sir that the Territory and business is unfairly divided in point of population Territory Business and means of access & would Respectfuly petion Your Excellencey to Return Senate bill dissapproved And as In duty Bound your petitioners will ever pray</p>
<p>John Street<br />Senator of the 6th Dist</p>
<p>T. L. Mendenhall<br />Senator of 8th Dist</p>
<p><a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/haskin-s--smith--claiborne-cou">Haskins S Smith</a><span> </span>M [?]</p>
<p><a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/joseph-smothers--claiborne-cou">J Smothers</a><span> </span>Represintif Claiborn</p>
<p><a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/richard-christmas--copiah-coun">Richard Christmas</a><span> </span>Rep from Copiah County</p>
<p>David Buffkin Rep Copiah</p>
<p>Representative from Simpson S Legett</p>
<p>” ” Lawrence E O Cowart</p>
<p>” Smith G. W. Stubbs</p>
<p>” Jasper J. F. Smith</p>
<p>” Jones & Covington E. M. Derall</p>
<p>H B McClure Senator of Jefferson and Franklin</p>
<p><a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/james-d--cessor--jefferson-cou">James D. Cessor</a><span> </span>H. R.<br /><a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/william-r--landers--jefferson-">Wm R. Landers</a><span> </span>H. R.<br />Representatives from Jefferson</p>
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Title
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Petition to Governor Adelbert Ames
Description
An account of the resource
Petition from a number of senators and representatives to Governor Adelbert Ames regarding the division of judicial districts.
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1874-02-02
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<a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/haskin-s--smith--claiborne-cou">Smith, Haskin S.</a>; <a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/joseph-smothers--claiborne-cou">Smothers, Joseph, active 1872-1886</a>; <a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/richard-christmas--copiah-coun">Christmas, Richard, active 1874-1875</a>; <a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/james-d--cessor--jefferson-cou"><span style="font-weight:400;">Cessor, James D., active 1872-1877</span></a>; <a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/william-r--landers--jefferson-"><span style="font-weight:400;">Landers, William R., active 1872-1876</span></a>; <span>Ames, Adelbert, 1835-1933</span>
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Document at the <a href="https://cwrgm.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Civil War & Reconstruction Governors of Mississippi Project</a>. Original held at the Mississippi Department of Archives & History.
ames
cessor
christmas
h smith
landers
smothers
-
https://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/files/original/7/2168/bribery2.PNG
62ea098c56ca53a10080d52ecfe0164f
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Against All Odds: The First Black Legislators in Mississippi
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DeeDee Baldwin<br /><em>Assistant Professor, History Research Librarian</em><br /><a href="mailto:dbaldwin@library.msstate.edu">dbaldwin@library.msstate.edu</a>
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<p>THE ALLEGED BRIBERY CASE.</p>
<p>Col. Matthews, of Counsel for Barrentine, explains, but says nothings.</p>
<p>The Charge not Cleared up.</p>
<p>The Columbus Index has stated specially the grounds on which it has charged Lt.-Gov.<span> </span><a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/alexander-kelso-davis--noxubee">Davis</a><span> </span>with having received money for granting pardon to Thomas Barrentine, charged with the murder of the widow in Lowndes county. Since our last issue, in which we commented on the absence of explicitness in the original article, the Index has made this following distinct statement, giving names, dates and particulars:</p>
<p>Columbus Index.]</p>
<p>“The attacks of Lieutenant-Governor <a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/alexander-kelso-davis--noxubee">Davis</a> and the Radical press of the State have forced us to a publication of the facts connected with the rumor relating to the bribery of Lieutenant-Governor <a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/alexander-kelso-davis--noxubee">Davis</a>. The Index now defies those whose characters are at stake to bring suit for libel, and we proceed to state the following facts and dare any one to controvert them:</p>
<p>Between the 14th and 24th days of May, Gov. <a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/alexander-kelso-davis--noxubee">Davis</a> (negro) was in Jackson, begging Gov. Ames to sign a pardon in blank. Gov. Ames refused and then <a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/alexander-kelso-davis--noxubee">Davis</a> told him the pardon was for Thomas Barrentine, the murderer of Mrs. Thomas. Still Gov. Ames refused to issue the pardon, but shortly left for the seacoast. He went by Osyka, near the Louisiana line, and soon after he passed that place, Gov. <a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/alexander-kelso-davis--noxubee">Davis</a> sealed the pardon of Thomas Barrentine.</p>
<p>On May 14th, Henry Barrentine, father of Thomas Barrentine, gave Col. Beverly Matthews, attorney for the Barrentines, a check for $1250<span> </span><em>to be used in procuring the pardon of Thos. Barrentine</em>. – Soon after, there was some misunderstanding between Henry Barrentine and Col. Matthews, which resulted in the former’s withdrawing the check and giving, on May 22d, a check for $1250 payable to cash or bearer. This check was in possession of Col. W. E. Gibbs, who obtained the money on it Sunday, May 23d, and on that day, he, Col. Matthews and Gov. <a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/alexander-kelso-davis--noxubee">Davis</a> were seen in such earnest conversation together that the observers thought that there was some serious difficulty on hand. On that night Col. Gibbs and <a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/alexander-kelso-davis--noxubee">Davis</a> had an appointment to meet at Wiley Johnston’s (colored) house. <a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/alexander-kelso-davis--noxubee">Davis</a> waited at the house until late at night but the Col. failed to “come to time” whereat <a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/alexander-kelso-davis--noxubee">Davis</a> was greatly enraged. The next morning (24th) <a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/alexander-kelso-davis--noxubee">Davis</a> was at the train before day waiting for Gibbs and went to Artesia with him. What transpired during that interview is not known, but <a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/alexander-kelso-davis--noxubee">Davis</a> returned with a smiling countenance<span> </span><em>and said that he had got his part of the money.</em></p>
<p>The actual amount of money received by <a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/alexander-kelso-davis--noxubee">Davis</a> for issuing the pardon was only $450.00. The balance – $800.00 was divided between Cols. Matthews and Gibbs for professional services in securing the pardon.”</p>
<p>This article presents the issue in a tangible shape. Was there a $1200 check in the transaction? Did <a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/alexander-kelso-davis--noxubee">Davis</a> receive any portion of it? If not how was it used? The case had not been tried, and no lawyer’s fees could have legitimately accrued. A subsequent number of the Index contains the following explanation for Col. Beverly Matthews:</p>
<p>“Several articles having appeared in our columns connecting the name of the Hon. Beverly Matthews with the bribery of the negro Lieut. Governor, we deem it an act of justice to state, that having had an interview with Col. Matthews, from his statement upon this subject we are satisfied that his action in the premises was professional and honorable.</p>
<p>We regret that our article of Thursday should have been misconstrued by intelligent gentlemen, and will say that Col. Matthews’ explanation was entirely satisfactory, and our intent was to give him an opportunity of offering it to the public.”</p>
<p>Now, we submit that this explanation is jejune and unsatisfactory to an impartial public, notwithstanding it may be “satisfactory” to the Index. The public desires to know not what the editor of that journal thinks is “professional and honorable,” but precisely what the said “action” was. The explanation implies that Col. Matthews was concerned in the case; and the inquiry is made, to what extent?<span> </span><em>Does he possess knowledge of how the $1200 was expended? And if so, what is his information?</em><span> </span>The explanation ends where public curiosity begins.</p>
<p>Nothing is heard from Col. Gibbs who, is alleged to have been the associate counsel with Col. Matthews in the management of the case. It is alleged that he disbursed the proceeds of the check, and circumstances related which have created the presumption that a part of it was paid to the acting Governor.</p>
<p>On the whole, the affair wears an ugly aspect official. Barrentine was charged with participating in an atrocious murder of a defenceless woman in the presence of her children, and without a trial, is pardoned. The inference is unavoidable that a powerful influence was brought to bear on the acting Executive to induce him to interfere in such behalf in advance of a trial in which the facts would have been elicited establishing the guilt or innocence of the accused.</p>
<p>Col. Matthews has spoken but not to the point, not satisfactorily. Col. Gibbs is yet to be heard from. Meantime, the inquiry shall be pressed not for the professional nor personal injury of these lawyers whom the public acquit of any moral crime in striving to secure the release of their client, but to ascertain whether the grave charge that Executive interference in behalf of a supposed criminal was secured by a pecuniary consideration. The dealing of the public is with its agent charged with the highest obligations known to the law, and it will not be content until the matter is probed to the core.</p>
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<em>Clarion-Ledger</em> clipping
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Clarion-Ledger
Date
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1875-06-23
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<a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/alexander-kelso-davis--noxubee">Davis, Alexander Kelso</a>
ak davis
ames
crime
-
https://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/files/original/7/2167/bribery.PNG
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Dublin Core
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Against All Odds: The First Black Legislators in Mississippi
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DeeDee Baldwin<br /><em>Assistant Professor, History Research Librarian</em><br /><a href="mailto:dbaldwin@library.msstate.edu">dbaldwin@library.msstate.edu</a>
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<p>The Charge of Bribery Against the Lt.-Governor.</p>
<p>The Columbus Press, a leading Republican paper published where Lt.-Gov.<span> </span><a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/alexander-kelso-davis--noxubee">Davis</a><span> </span>resides, contained an editorial on the charge of bribery which has been made against that officer, so pointed and frank, that we have copied it into our columns. The Press is a political supporter of the Lt.-Governor, and its observations and deductions cannot be presumed to have been made from an unfriendly stand-point.</p>
<p>First, the Press characterizes his action in pardoning a man charged with the brutal and horrible murder of a helpless woman in the presence of her five fatherless children, “as a monstrous and hideous spectacle of violated trust and abuse of power.”</p>
<p>Second, it reiterates the statement that he himself had offered a reward of $500 for this same murderer, and that he granted the pardon even before the criminal was brought into the State and put upon trial.</p>
<p>Third, that he “took advantage of a few hours absence of Gov. Ames from the State at dead of night” in which to interpose Executive clemency between the murderer and the penalties of the law.</p>
<p>Fourth, in consideration of this pardon, the charge is that the Lt.-Governor received a sum of money, said to be four hundred and fifty dollars. In other words that he exercised the powers of the office of Governor which he temporarily filled in virtue of his office of Lt.-Governor and polluted the seal of the State, for a money consideration.</p>
<p>The Press, it will be seen, so far from discrediting this main charge, virtually countenances it, and emphatically disapproves the method by which it has been met, as feeble and insufficient.</p>
<p>Now the Index has come squarely to the point, and specified that Colonels Beverly Matthews and W. E. Gibbs are cognizant of the facts – that the money which was expended to procure the release of the criminal, passed through their hands, that, as lawyers, they received their fees out of it, and that Col. Gibbs disbursed to the Lt.-Governor the sum of money which he is charged with having received. These gentlemen have it in their power to clear up this whole transaction, if they will.<span> </span><em>They have not spoken.</em><span> </span>True, Col. Matthews has satisfied the Index that his action in the case was “professional and honorable,” but this does not amount to a pinch of snuff. He is not on trial at the bar of public opinion. Nobody has inquired whether his conduct is “professional and honorable” or not. The inquiry is, what do you know about the charge against the Lt.-Governor, and what were the influences that induced him to pardon the criminal? Any answer which does not meet this question squarely is simply evasive, and is utterly abortive, as an attempt to satisfy the public demand upon the point at issue.</p>
<p>Until the matter becomes a subject of legal inquiry, and of Legislative investigation, these gentlemen who are publicly declared to be cognizant of the facts, have it in their power to keep silent, but their silence, under the circumstances, is ominous.</p>
<p>Here is the article from the Press, the Republican journal above referred to:</p>
<p>Gov. <a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/alexander-kelso-davis--noxubee">Davis</a> and the Index.</p>
<p>The Columbus Index has charged Lt.-Gov. <a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/alexander-kelso-davis--noxubee">Davis</a> with the crime of pardoning one Thomas H. Barrentine, a man who stands indicted on the records of this county for one of the most brutal, fiendish and unprovoked murders found in the annals of crime.</p>
<p>Its second charge is, that the Lt.-Governor himself – acting as Governor when the crime was committed – offered a reward of $500 for his apprehension, and when the officers of the law were upon his track and about to bring him back to the State for trial upon this heinous charge, that Lt.-Gov. <a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/alexander-kelso-davis--noxubee">Davis</a> again took a hand in the case, and taking advantage of a few hours absence from the State of Gov. Ames, at dead of night, interceded his pardon between this criminal and outraged justice.</p>
<p>The third charge is, that this pardon was granted for a money consideration of $500, given into the hands of the Lt.-Governor for that specific purpose.</p>
<p>The first and second of these counts, we presume, Gov. <a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/alexander-kelso-davis--noxubee">Davis</a> will not deny. The third charge, while a more flagrant violation of the letter of the law, is certainly not a greater outrage upon the morals of the sense of justice of a civilized people than are the first charges. The moral guilt of the act stands as a monstrous and hideous spectacle of violated trust, and abuse of power.</p>
<p>When, therefore, the Lt.-Governor comes forward confessing the first counts – accepting the verdict of condemnation from the mouths of all honest men, which these confessed violations of duty fasten upon him – can he reasonably expect the public to accept his mere denial of the last charge – supported as it is by a thousand suspicious circumstances – as a full acquittal? The Pilot, with all the simplicity of a child-like faith, remarks: “We are assured by Lt.-Gov. <a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/alexander-kelso-davis--noxubee">Davis</a> that there is no truth in the article published recently in the Columbus Index” – “NO TRUTH” – says <a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/alexander-kelso-davis--noxubee">Davis</a>, and the Pilot gulps it down and then proceeds to call on the Index to prove the statement!</p>
<p>Whether the Index is able to do so or not, we do not know, but we are of opinion that it will be time enough to call for proofs when the opportunity is extended to them to secure them. This opportunity Mr. <a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/alexander-kelso-davis--noxubee">Davis</a> can give them by bringing an action of libel, or by taking such other steps as will give the Index a chance to compel the attendance of witnesses and their sworn evidence under the penalty of perjury for false statements.</p>
<p>Until he is disposed to resort to this reasonable and satisfactory way of vindicating his action in this matter, we prefer to be governed in our judgment by the facts that surround the case, rather than by the assertions of innocence of the accused, or the flinging of epithets at his accusers.</p>
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
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<em>Clarion-Ledger</em> clipping
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Clarion-Ledger.
Date
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1875-07-14
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<a href="http://msstate-exhibits.libraryhost.com/exhibits/show/legislators/alexander-kelso-davis--noxubee">Davis, Alexander Kelso</a>
ak davis
ames
crime