The Pardon of Bonaparte
January 6, 1894
Summary
Gov. Philip W. McKinney pardons a “Negro” man after he served a long prison term for allegations of adultery with a white woman.
Transcription
Ex-Gov. Philip W. Mckinney before his retirement from office, pardoned W.H. Bonaparte, who was convicted about four years ago of abduction and sentenced to five years in the penitentiary. Deducting the time allowed for good behaviour he would have been released about March 1894. A physician’s certificate and the recommendation of Superintendent B.W. Lynn did the work.
Bonaparte has sinned, but he has been sinned against.
A white girl of doubtful reputation figured in the case. She of her own free will and accompanied him in a carriage to Chesapeake City, where it is said that they stayed together at a house.
Of course as Bonaparte was colored and the girl with a charge of abduction was made, the accused tried and convicted.
Although in all probability guilty of adultery, a misdemeanor for which the law provided a fine of $20, he was convicted of a felony and he has served in the penitentiary as before stated. The cry was, he ought to be sent there. We are pleased to note that executive clemency has been extended in his case and that the prison officials were [unintelligent] to recognize the ability of the young journalist while there, assigning him to the position of clerk within those dismal confines.
Bonaparte has sinned, but he has been sinned against.
A white girl of doubtful reputation figured in the case. She of her own free will and accompanied him in a carriage to Chesapeake City, where it is said that they stayed together at a house.
Of course as Bonaparte was colored and the girl with a charge of abduction was made, the accused tried and convicted.
Although in all probability guilty of adultery, a misdemeanor for which the law provided a fine of $20, he was convicted of a felony and he has served in the penitentiary as before stated. The cry was, he ought to be sent there. We are pleased to note that executive clemency has been extended in his case and that the prison officials were [unintelligent] to recognize the ability of the young journalist while there, assigning him to the position of clerk within those dismal confines.
About this article
Source
Location on Page
Upper Left Quadrant
Topic
Contributed By
Carlos Serrano
Citation
“The Pardon of Bonaparte,” Black Virginia: The Richmond Planet, 1894-1909, accessed April 24, 2025, https://blackvirginia.richmond.edu/items/show/76.