Henry Stanbery to William H. Seward, 4 December 1866

About This Item

Title: Henry Stanbery to William H. Seward, 4 December 1866
Date: December 4, 1866
Creator(s): Henry Stanbery | Walt Whitman
Whitman Archive ID: nar.00168
Source: National Archives and Records Administration. Transcribed from digital images or a microfilm reproduction of the original item. For a description of the editorial rationale behind our treatment of the manuscripts, see our statement of editorial policy.
Contributors to digital file: Elizabeth Lorang Nima Najafi Kianfar Kevin McMullen John Schwaninger
Cite this page: Stanbery, Henry and Walt Whitman. "Henry Stanbery to William H. Seward, 4 December 1866." The Walt Whitman Archive. Gen. ed. Matt Cohen, Ed Folsom, & Kenneth M. Price. Accessed 09 May 2025. <http://www.whitmanarchive.org>.
Source File: nar.00168.xml (TEI)

Image 1

Dec. 4, 1866. To Hon. W. H. Seward, Secretary of State. Sir: I have examined the letter of Gov. Holden, of North Carolina, which you have referred to this office. I find that Gov. Holden requests you to inform him whether a person who has not taken the amnesty oath prescribed in the President's Proclamation of May 29, 1865, & who refuses to take that oath, is eligible to office in North Carolina. Upon such a question so presented, it does not seem to me that I have authority to give an official opinion; & I find that the established usage of this Office is to the same effect. I am, therefore, compelled to decline further action upon the question, & beg you to advise Gov. Holden of the ground upon which compliance with his request cannot be granted. I have the honor to be, Very respectfully, Henry Stanbery, Attorney General.