effect his engagements, lo the fullest cxlcnl. Admilling Lhat by his discharge from captivity that our beloved country might be placed in lhe mosl desirable situation, Still I say, it by no means follows that he oughl lo be released. Crime in its essence is the Law, whether the offender be prince or peasant, and the punishments should be meted out with even handed justice, wilhou t regard lo the stale or condition of the convict. We must not permit ourselves lo he dazzled by the radiant, glittering glare, which is thrown around the person of our dislinguishecl prisoner. He stands charged and convicted before Lhe world of wilful and deliberate perjury. Of a wanton violation of the laws of honor of war and of nations, and of a cold-blooded murderous massacre of five hundred victims, who were immolated upon his Lloody alter and whose manes now stalk abroad and invoke your retribution. J uslice with her uplifted sword stands ready to slrike the guilty culprit; while Mercy instead of raising her imploring hands to invoke your pardon, admits that clemency to him would be the most savage barbarity lo the whole human family. And yet this man thus covered and deformed with crime, this man who is guilty of th~ violation of every law both human and divine, this man whose hands are still wreaking with the blood of our slaughtered countrymen, this man is to be liberated, turned loose upon the world to seek for other opportunities to glut his cannibal thirst. Forbit it Justice, forbid it Mercy, forbid it Almighty God. Thus Gentlemen, in a hasty manner I have expressed my feelings, and with an earnest hope that your efforts in the service of your country may be crowned with the most signal success, I have the honor to be With highest considerations of respect and regard yr. obnt. Servt.
Wm. H. Jack Secy of State
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