Good

Some of the political prisoners arrested by Seward’s arbitrary order and without just cause, have refused the proffered amnesty of the President on the ground that they are not guilty of anything requiring the interposition of executive clemency.  All such prisoners should demand a trial, or an unconditional release from imprisonment, and hold Mr. Seward responsible for their illegal arrest and incarceration.  This course would bring Mr. Secretary Seward to his senses probably.  It might convince him, too, that there is another degree of supremacy above his higher law. – Dubuque Herald.

How was it with your dear friend and old leader, Geo. W. Jones?  It seems he was glad enough to accept Executive clemency.  How is it that the Constitution is constantly invoked by a certain class of politicians in the North for the protection of traitors, but never appealed for their punishment?  Why do they seek to hound down Mr. Seward, whose prompt and fearless action and bold assumption of responsibility has saved the country from the machinations of traitors for its overthrow, while holding up these same traitors as injured innocents and martyrs to the Constitution? – Gate City.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, March 15, 1862, p. 2