Elbert Pinney's Application for Presidential Pardon

Elbert Pinney, my 4th great grandfather, was the son of Henry Pinney.  He lived an amazing life.  During the Civil War, he fought on the side of the Confederates.  After the war, he wrote a letter requesting a presidential pardon, and asked others to write letters on his behalf.  His in-laws in Illinois, the Youngs, were apparently "radical" Republicans (see the last letter). Must be genetic! Here is the text from those records:

Elbert

Dr. Pinney

Pardon. Tex.

Mr. Washburne of Illinois…[illegible] Pardoned Dec 8^th 65

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

Your Petitioner Elbert Pinney a Citizen of the County of Hunt and State of Texas would Humbly represent unto Your Excellency, that he was a Surgeon in the 1^st Chickasaw Battallion engaged in the Service of the so-called “Confederate States of America” in rebellion against the Government of the United States of America.

That he entered said service in the month of January 1862 and resigned the said position of surgeon in said Battallion in the month of July following and returned home

That in the month of July 1863 he was drafted into the state militia of the State of Texas and was elected 1^st Lieutenant of Company “E” 2^nd Reg. Texas State Cavalry. That he remained in that position six months. That in the month of March 1864 he was appointed surgeon of the 1^st Battallion Texas Cavalry and served in that capacity until the Close of the Rebellion

Your Petitioner would represent unto Your Excellency that he is 40 Years of Age, by Profession a Physician. That he was born in the State of Connecticut, that from there he removed to the State of Pennsylvania about the year 1828 and from there he removed to the State of Illinois about the year 1847. That in the year 1856 he removed to the County of Hunt and State of Texas and has resided in said last mentioned County and State ever since, That he held the office of Assistant Post Master at “Tidwell Creek” in said county and state from sometime in the year 1859 till the Breaking out of the Rebellion, and held it under the government of the so called Confederate States untill the repression of the Rebellion

That upon the close of the Rebellion your petitioner appeared before Hardin Hart Chief Justice of Hunt County State of Texas and took the Oath of Allegiance prescribed by the proclamation of the President of the United States which said Oath of Allegiance is hereunto attached. That he has returned heartily to his Allegiance to the Government of the United States and is desirous of being a truly loyal citizen thereof. And for his participation in the said Rebellion he prays that your Excellency will grant him a Special Pardon and as in duty bound he will ever Pray

Subscribed and sworn to before me this Ninth day of October AD 1865

Wm. Lane Notary Public (signed)

We the undersigned would respectfully represent that we are acquainted with Doctor Elbert Pinney and believe that he is really desirous of becoming a truly loyal citizen and that if the prayer of his Petition is granted that he will heartily support the Government of the United States and use his influence in restoring its authority in the section where he resides

A.G. Jackson (signed)

Wm Lane (Signed)

Whiteside County, Illinois.

Treasurer’s Office.

Morrison, Oct 26 1865.

Hon E.B. Washburne

Galina Ill

Sir- Application is being made for a Special Pardon in the case of Dr Elbert Pinney who was connected with the Rebellion. I am not acquainted with Mr Pinney, but from the character of the persons endorsing his petition for pardon I have no doubt that it should be granted. His family connections in this county are among the most influential Republicans of the County and have been active supporters of the policy of the Government throughout the war. Any favor extended will be kindly remembered

Yours truly

Ed B Warner (signed)

Chicago Oct 21^st 1865

Hon E.B. Washburne

Galena

My Dear Sir

A large number of your political as well as personal friends, residing in Union Grove Whiteside County are much interested in a Special Pardon for Dr Elbert Pinney who has been in some way identified with the Rebellion. I know nothing about the Dr but I do know his relations in Whiteside (and especially your old friend D. B. Young of Union Grove who is the Dr’s father in law) are among the most influential (Radical if the administration will allow the word) Republicans in Your district. Any favor you can do the Dr. or his friends will be appreciated by your humble servants

Yours Truly

L. H. Robinson