PRESIDENT HARRISON CONFIRMS HE HAS ISSUED A RESPITE ORDER OF A PENDING EXECUTION
HARRISON, BENJAMIN (1833-1901) 23rd President of the United States. Scarce and fascinating Autograph Letter Signed, “Benj Harrison”, as President, in the form of a telegram. One page, oblong octavo. “Executive Mansion, April 20, 1892” To: “Brad D. Slaughter, US Marshal, Omaha Neb[raska]”. Fine condition. Harrison writes:
“The telegram of the Acting Att[orne]y Gen[era]l was authenticated and authorized by Me. I have respited the execution of the sentence in the case of C.E. Dixon until Friday May 20th and you will act accordingly. I formal warrant was mailed today. Benj Harrison”
A remarkable document in many ways. Clinton E. Dixon, was a US Army trumpeter, stationed at Fort Niobrara, Nebraska. He was involved with a Miss Lillie Lewis, who appears to have made her living in “affairs” with the local soldiers. When she [Lewis] was removed from the base and told not to return [September 30, 1891], Dixon took offense and shot the soldier who had removed her, Corporal Thomas Carter. Dixon was promptly arrested. Because the killing occurred among soldiers on a US military base, the case was subject to federal jurisdiction. On trial in the United States Circuit Court in Omaha, Dixon was convicted of murder in November 1891 and sentenced to death in January 1892. President Harrison had temporarily issued a stay of execution, so that the findings of the case could be confirmed. However after review, Dixon was hanged on June 24, 1892.
Simply a most fascinating item from his pen, written as President, that is a cut-above in terms of both content and human interest.
$1750.00