Restoring some civil rights to former Confederates went through several stages. In the spring and early summer of 1865 people had to apply for a presidential pardon if they had taken an active part in the Confederacy or if they were worth $20,000 or more. The applications from Virginia are in Virginia Case Files for United States Pardons (1865-1867), United States Office of the Adjutant General, Record Group 94, National Archives and Records Administration. The Library of Virginia has microfilm of the Virginia applications catalogued as Miscellaneous Microfilm Reels 3927-3942. The series is arranged alphabetically. Brent Tarter The Library of Virginia [log in to unmask] Please visit the Library of Virginia's Web site at http://www.lva.virginia.gov -----Original Message----- From: Research and writing about Virginia genealogy and family history. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Charlie Weaver Sent: Monday, April 16, 2012 9:38 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [VA-ROOTS] clemency after Cival War I believe you mean President Andrew JOHNSON. In most of the CSA states, federal officials required oaths of allegiance after the war. Whether that was required of everyone usually depended on the whim of the Reconstruction officer in a particular district. At least, that was the case in parts of NC. In the case you mention, perhaps someone had told officials the man was a Reb, and he needed presidential intervention. Charlie Weaver, Winston-Salem On 4/14/2012 4:32 PM, Madaline Preston wrote: > In a petition to President Andrew Jackson, dated 26 May1865, a > Virginia man swears he was always and is a Union man and asks for executive clemency. > The petition also mentions he was a poor man but had inherited $20,000 > from his deceased brother. Why would a Union man need clemency from > the United States and what does the inheritance have to do with it? > My appreciation to anyone who can help me understand this "petition > for pardon." > M. Preston > > To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the > instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.ht To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html