[Executive Office.]
"Dear Sir—I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of yours of the 14th inst., requesting me to inform you what was the name of the man hung in Raleigh in the spring of 1841.
"His name was MADISON JOHNSON. His case was taken to the Supreme Court, and you will find it reported, December Term, 1840, vol. 1st, page 354, Iredell's Reports.
"He was hung for the murder of Henry Beasley. A strong effort was made to procure a pardon for him; but believing his case a clear murder, I refused to grant it.
"The only man named Scott that was ever convicted of murder at this place, was Mason Scott, in 1820.
"You will find his case reported in the reports of the Supreme Court, January Term, 1820, 1st Stark's Reports, page 24.
"I am not aware that any other man named Scott was ever convicted of a capital offence in this county.
"I have the honor to be
"Your most ob't serv't,
"J. M. MOREHEAD."
"Rev. W. G. Brownlow."
In conclusion, after this letter appeared, and Johnson was elected, he sent an appointment to Raleigh, for a speech—attended there, and blackguarded and vilified "Morehead and Brownlow" for two hours. He made the letter of Morehead the pretext for his abuse, but the real cause was the Governor's refusal to pardon his cousin. Johnson was there to procure his pardon, and brought every appliance to bear within his power, but the North Carolina Governor was inflexible in the discharge of his sworn duty! We do not make the point against Johnson that he has mean kin, only so far as it may offset his abuse of others, for who of us are without mean kinsfolks? But our point is, his deliberate lying before a Jonesboro' audience!