Joseph R. Anderson Amnesty File, M1003, National Archives

Richmond Va June 22/1865

To His Excellency Andrew Johnson
President of the United States,

Sir:

Having just received the credentials of Amnesty & Pardon authorized to be issued me by your Excellency on a/c of my participation in the recent Rebellion – I hereby extend my grateful acknowledgement for this act of Executive Clemency & trust that this testimonial of your confidence shall never be abused. .

May I ask at your hands for another what I have so recently been the recipient of – a pardon also? This friend is now sueing for this favor, and although he may be regarded as too prominent a man for my humble influence to be asked by him, or appreciated by Your Excellency. Still the fact that his is in trouble, has induced me to offer this mite as a remembrance of his disinterested acts of kindness extended me whilst struggling to build up a business in this city.

In the financial crisis of 1857 when my credit was on the verge of being dishonored, by inability to meet my bank obligations he generously proferred me his sympathy & aid. I have always esteemed him as a wise counselor & tried friend & desire to render him some return for his interest in one, to him, a comparative stranger. Here then is an opportunity which I gladly embrace, only trusting that if it can do him no good, this volunteer aid, of which he is wholly unadvised, may not prove to his disadvantage.

My case is only one of many others I could cite in which Jos. R. Anderson Esq., has proven the friend of the Mechanic & Artisan as well as young men of energy & integrity generally, who are without means – and it is for him that I beg the extension of Executive Clemency feeling that no man in our midst would use his means more acceptably to our citizens

–With great Respect
– Asa Snyder

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