Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson), 1822-1885 Pardon commuting death sentence of Charles Purdue, convicted of arson while at sea.
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00173.08 Author/Creator: Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson), 1822-1885 Place Written: Washington, District of Columbia Type: Document signed Date: 02 May 1871 Pagination: 3 p. Order a Copy
Convicted of arson on the high seas; sentenced to death by hanging. Pardoned by recommendation of the convicting jury and since it was the first such conviction to fall under the statute of 1790, imposing the death penalty for the said offense, and that Purdue could not have known the consequences of the crime. It was also stated that there had been no intention to destroy life and none were lost. Grant recommends "...his sentence be commuted to some long term of imprisonment at hard labor...". (c/s Hamilton Fish)
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