AH Stephens
After being paroled, ex-CSA Vice President Alexander H. Stephens had a rather leisurely trip back to confinement in his home state of Georgia. He had stops in Boston, New York, And Washington D.C. 150 years ago today met with US President Andrew Johnson.
From The New-York Times October 21, 1865:
FROM WASHINGTON.; INTERVIEW BETWEEN ALEXANDER H. STEPHENS AND PRESIDENT JOHNSON. A LONG CABINET SESSION. CORRECTION.
Special Dispatch to the New-York Times.
WASHINGTON, Friday, Oct. 20.
It being generally known that rooms had been taken in a prominent hotel, yesterday, for Mr. STEPHENS and his party, quite a gathering of the curious and wonder-loving was in waiting at the hour of the arrival of the party last evening, and the numbers increased up to 10 o’clock, the sight-seekers, hoping to get a good view of Mr. STEPHENS. He was only visible, however, as he passed from the vehicle into the hotel. During the evening he was called upon by Gens. HOOKER and TERRY, and other distinguished persons. This morning at about 10 o’clock Mr. STEPHENS called at the White House and gained an audience with the President. There was no official matter involved in the visit, but Mr. STEPHENS called to express his gratitude for the Executive clemency recently extended to him, and to assure the President that he might hereafter rely upon him as a faithful and sincere supporter of the Government of the United States, and that he would do all in his power to cultivate fraternal feelings and devotion to the Union among the people of all sections. The meeting was cordial, dignified and most respectful.
The cabinet session to-day was of unusual duration, and was attended by all the members except Mr. SEWARD, who is yet absent from the city. …
When Mr. Stephens got home to Georgia he filled in his diary with details of his trip from Fort Warren. According to his prison diary (edited by Myrta Lockett Avary; pages 536-537) during the meeting with President johnson, Mr. Stephens said he thought blacks who met some qualifications should be allowed to vote, although it was up to the individual states. He got the impression that President Johnson wanted the Thirteenth Amendment to pass so that the freed people could be removed like the Indians???
from page 536
from page 537
