Henry Wirz

“ If restored to liberty, I will thank and bless you for it.
I would not convey the idea to your mind, Mr. President, that I court death. Life is sweet; however lowly or humble man's station may be, he clings to life. His soul is filled with awe when he contemplates the future, the unknown land which the judgment is before which he will have to give an account of his words, thought, and deeds. ”

“ With a trembling hand, with a heart filled with the most conflicting emotions, and with a spirit hopeful one moment and despairing the next, I have taken the liberty of addressing you. When I consider your exalted position; when I think for a moment that in your hands rests the weal and woe of millions - yea, the peace of the world - well may I pause to call to my aid courage enough to lay before you my humble petition. ”

“ Fear not; if men hold thee guilty, God does not, and a new life will pervade your being.' Such has been the state of my mind for weeks and months, and no punishment that human ingenuity can inflict could increases my distress. ”