This letter was originally published in a Southern paper, but
without the date.
SENATE CHAMBER [May, 1866].
DEAR SIR,--I have your letter of the 19th in reference to the
removal of your political disabilities.
I am not sure that the time has yet come to make exceptions to
our general policy in individual cases. To do so would open the
door to innumerable applications; and once open, it would be
difficult to shut it.
I hope to meet such cases as yours by some general enactment; and
as soon as the condition of the country will permit, I shall be
the first to advocate the removal of all disabilities under which
you labor at present.
Yours truly,