The Pardon of Ceasar Griffin

Griffin's Case is getting a lot of attention in the Section Three debate. In that circuit decision, Chief Justice Chase denied a writ of habeas corpus to a Black man (Ceasar Griffin) convicted in state court of assault.

I just wanted to point out that Mr. Griffin was pardoned by the Governor of Virginia about a week after the Chief Justice issued his opinion. (The Governor was an appointee of a Union Army commander in charge of the state under Military Reconstruction.) A Virginia newspaper noted the pardon on May 20, 1869. The Chief Justice's opinion was issued on May 9th or 10th, 1869.