As to the execution of Sergeant Hunt, I incline to the side of forebearance.
Document 1799Hamilton reports that the President has granted amnesty to Sergeant Hunt, an act of forgiveness that will save him from being put to death. Hamilton argues that Hunt's execution would have been counter to the sentiments of the public and perhaps even have damaged the reputation of the military establishment.
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Type
Autograph Draft Document
Description
Hamilton reports that the President has granted amnesty to Sergeant Hunt, an act of forgiveness that will save him from being put to death. Hamilton argues that Hunt's execution would have been counter to the sentiments of the public and perhaps even have damaged the reputation of the military establishment.
Date
07/29/1799
Author
Recipient
Sent from
New York
Collection
Document number
1799072940000
Notable persons
James McHenry
Alexander Hamilton
the President [Adams]
Notable locations
New York
Notable items
warrant for the execution of Sergeant Hunt
I incline to the side of forebearance
temper of our country is not a little opposed to the frequency of capital punishment
public opinion
there must be some caution not to render our military system odious
extreme lenience in the past
danger of shocking even the opinion of the Army by too violent a change
idea of cruelty inspires disgust
heinous nature of his conduct
[Hunt] a very fit subject for punishment
good faith and patriotism of the soldiery
[the President] has thought fit to authorize a remission of the punishment