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To Caleb H. Carlton1Jump to section
Chattanooga, Tenn. Washington, Nov. 5, 1864
Suspend execution of Robert W. Reed until further order & send record. Answer. A. LINCOLN
Annotation
[1] ALS, DNA WR RG 107, Presidential Telegrams, I, 224. Colonel Caleb H. Carlton, Eighty-ninth Ohio Volunteers, was in command of post at Chattanooga, but no reply from him or any officer has been found. Lincoln's action was prompted by a telegram from John Boyle, Louisville, Kentucky, November 3, 1864: ``Robert W Reed Company A fourth Ky Cavalry at Chattanooga is sentenced to die November twentieth for killing John Arterburris his messmate & friend Arterburris brother witnessed the killing & represents it as committed in momentary passion wantonly provoked by deceased & repented as soon as done. . . . Officers & others think it a proper case for executive clemency & beseech you to commute the sentence to imprisonment for term of years or life. grant reprieve until the case can be laid before you. . . .'' (DLC-RTL).