The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-02-18
Senator johnson and the Public Binder
WASHINGTON, Feb. 15, 1865


JAMES GORDON BENNETT, ESQ.,,
EDITOR or TEE New York HERALD
SIR-On my return yesterday from New Orleans, after
absence of several weeks your paper OF the 2Is OF
January last handed to me- and in it ind arti-
Gle upon public printing the signature Of Peter j.
Smith, which charges corruption upon the part of a
Southern Senator in the appointment of Mr.. Boeler
public binder or the Senate, but gives Of any
Senator.
This appointment election ia made by the Senate
Committee Public Printing, and the committee Ia cosa-
posed three members-one from the North and two
from the South Of the two from the South the only
one who supported the firm of Pctbone Boteer, who
duly elected and appointed public binders and, Of
consequence am the Southern Senator against whom
tbe.e charges are levelled.
The charges defamatory 10 the last degree I
quest you read them in your paper OF the 2ls u't
The charges without foundation, and utterly
true bad business transaction with Mr.. Ioteer,
and certainly his debtor for fifty dollars my
life. have known him for some years merchant OF
this city, and always as an honorable man and gentle
In supporting him for this appointment was gov
erned by interest, direct contingent remote and
had motive other than that of befriending him in
manner entirely legitimate, and not Inconsistent with tae
public service.
so much for that charge.
The charge that sought confer upon Major Hess the
appointment Of Public Binder, upon condition that ne
would share the profits with me, is equally wholly
untrue. The truth Is that neither sought ever
had ersaon with Major Heiss upon the subject OF
the public binding any other subject from the hour Of
ny arrival in this city the instant OF the appointment
Of Fettibone Boeier, did the OF Major Heiss
my lips but once, when, being asked II would
have any objection 70 voting for Major Heiss he, Mr.
Bo,eler, desired " form coparnership replied that he
bad my respect and confidence and would support him
with pleasure and this all the conversation that
hai upon the subject
The further MISUNDERSTANDING 10 the politics OF Mr..
Bot.ler-pToclsm moral turptude and are Of
sequence this connection neither the assertion that
the President had administered rebuke IN this
Southern senator entitled 10 thought. No would
believe the President would sioop 10 rebuke he
thought capable Of acts criminal and Infamous nor
forget himself far 10 attempt rebuke upon any
Sepator where name and horF stood untsrnshed In his
estimation.
In view Of the foregoing, which presents, unimpas
stoned Whist the facts, my know hedge, he
Genes evident that your correspondent ethsr de-
msliepiiy towards me In making his statements In
either event conceive N he proper that you should fur
nh his address since In so acting he has been de-
ceved will afford him opportunity 10 do that JUS
tlcc whch any honorable man undor like circumstances
would be ANXIOUS IN do II, on tho oher hand he has
been influenced by malice In this matter and has avaicd
himself OF the columns Of your paper TO promuigatc
Islander upon who has not offended feel confident
that you, editor OF journal aiming and processing
10 vindicste truth, let wound wbomsoever may, will
allow yourself 10 become hs protector by screening
him from sVpOsure.
As matter Of JUSTICE therefore, respectfully request
that you will furnish the and address OF your
correspondent before mentioned am, very respectfully,
yorr obcdient servant, r. W. JOHNSON.