Davis, Jefferson (1808-1889) [Proclamation of martial law in Richmond]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01547 Author/Creator: Davis, Jefferson (1808-1889) Place Written: Richmond, Virginia Type: Manuscript document signed Date: 1 March 1862 Pagination: 2 p. ; 27 x 22 cm. Order a Copy
"I Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States of America do proclaim that martial law is hereby extended over the City of Richmond and the adjoining and surrounding country to the distance of ten miles." The word "Seal" with a circle around it is written on the second page, in place of an official seal.
Signed as President of the Confederate States, written in the hand of Judah P. Benjamin, as Secretary of War.
By virtue of the power vested [struck: by] in me by law to declare the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in cities threatened with invasion
I Jefferson Davis President of the Confederate States of America do proclaim that martial law is hereby extended over the City of Richmond and the adjoining and surrounding country to the distance of ten miles. And I do proclaim the suspension of all civil jurisdiction with the exception of that of the Mayor of the City, and the suspension of the privilege of the writ of Habeas Corpus within the said City and surrounding Country to the distance aforesaid -
In faith whereof I have herewith signed my name and set my seal at the City of Richmond on this first [2] day of March in the year one thousand Eight Hundred and sixty-two -
Seal Jefferson Davis
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