imed,
--a procedure which was intended to be the corner-stone of the work of
reconstruction.

Standing naked and unqualified these thirteen exceptions might seem to
imply a harshness of treatment inconsistent with the spirit of
forgiveness and generosity upon which Mr. Seward had been insisting,
and to which the President had apparently assented. The classes
excepted were more numerous and far more comprehensive than those
excluded from amnesty under the proclamation issued by Mr. Lincoln on
the 8th of December, 1863. That proclamation not only embodied the
views of Mr. Lincoln, but was approved by Mr. Seward in whole and in
detail. The difference between the two proclamations was not, however,
radical, and was readily reconcilable with Mr. Seward's purpose. He
had indeed equalized their attributes of mercy by inducing President
Johnson to insert a proviso declaring that "special application may be
made to the President for pardon by any person belonging to the
excepted classes," and the assurance was added that "such clemency will
be liberally extended for amnesty and pardon." Applications came in
great numbers from the South. In the archives of the State Department
there are some twenty-four large volumes recording the pardons granted
in less than nine months after the proclamation. The aggregate number
is nearly fourteen thousand, and the list includes prominent men of all
classes in the South, who, recognizing the fact that the Rebellion had
failed, turned, as the only alternative, to the Government which had
conquered and was now ready to extend a magnanimous forgiveness. Many
of those sought to place themselves in harmony with the restored Union,
and looked forward hopefully to the events of the future. Many others,
as it must be regretfully but truthfully recorded, appeared to have no
proper appreciation of the leniency extended to them. They accepted
every favor with an ill grace, and showed rancorous hatred to the
National Government even when they knew it only as a benefactor.

Having by the proclamation extended amnesty on the simple condition of
an oath of loyalty to the Union and the Constitution, and obedience to
the Decree of Emancipation, the President had established a definite
and easily ascertainable constituency of white men in the South to
whom the work of reconstructing civil government in the several States
might be intrusted. A circular from Mr. Seward accompanied the
proclamation, d