MSJEFFDAVIS-L Archives

From: Eddie Mikell <>
Subject: E. J. Goode info
Date: Mon, 11 Jun 2001 12:47:46 -0400

All:

Someone asked if I had any more info on E. J. Goode, and I ran across the
following:

E. J. GOODE, who was a brilliant lawyer of the Lawrence County bar during
the 1850's and 1860's was a strong character and wielded considerable
influence in Monticello. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity and
served as master of the lodge for several terms. He had an extensive
practice, but when his beloved Southland was invaded he laid aside every
calling and, organize a company of soldiers known as the Goode Rifles, went
to the defense of his country. After the war, Captain Goode was elected a
delegate to represent Lawrence County in the Constitutional Convention of
1865, which had been called by Governor Sharkey.

Repressing in the convention his views in regard to the Thirteenth
Amendment, Captain Goode said, "I take it that almost all lawyers will agree
about this: that slavery has not been legally abolished in the state of
Mississippi. I am willing to admit that slavery is impracticable here, and
have ceased to exist as a live and vital institution, but there may be a
legal slavery still. I am free to admit that President Lincoln had the right
to issue the proclamation. But it is contended that the mere war measure of
Mr. Lincoln remained operative after the war has closed. I have the best
evidence that the United States Government did not so regard it. I feel
myself bound, and have, ever since I was announced as a candidate for this
convention, to vote for a free constitution. If we have a right to affix
conditions we have a right to refuse to adopt any clause of the constitution
abolishing slavery, or such as will render it impossible for the government
of the United States ever receive us." A few years after the war Captain
Goode removed to Minnesota.

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• E. J. Goode info by Eddie Mikell <>