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Title: Henry Stanbery to William H. Seward, 4 December 1866
Date: December 4, 1866
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 correspondence, see our statement of editorial policy.
Contributors to digital file: Elizabeth Lorang, Nima Najafi Kianfar, Kevin McMullen, and John Schwaninger
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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.