The Shasta courier., 1859-07-30

Tuford's Aetter.

D.,
vindicating Mr.. Latham from the charge made
against him by Mr. Broderick in Nevada, to the
effect that he (Latham) had induced one of his
friends to purloin from Tilfords room written
pledge which he QLatham) had given him to use
his influence, in case of his election to the U,
s. Senate to secure for him (Tilford) the posi-
ton of Collector of the Port of San Francisco
To THE EDiroR OF. THE STANDARD In the
report of the Hon. D. c. Broderick's speech at
Nevada, published in the Sacramento Union of
the 18th inst, appears the following passage =
Upon the eve ofLatham's election when there
remained nothing to be done but to make up the
oft1clal record of the vote which would elect
him, a gentleman whose claims favored for the
post OF Collector of the Port of San Francisco,
came to me and said that Latham had some tim
before gwen written pledge promising to sup
port him for the same position in the event OF
ms (Lathams) election. But. now, his election
being considered certain, Latham had deterniin-
ed to support another individual, and In his apx-
iety to obtain possession of his written pledge.
Latham had deputed a man to seek my friend s
room and surreptitiousy obtain possession of
the letter containing the written pledge" As
am the friend referred to by Mr. Br6derick, nv
own honor and justice to Mr.. Latham require
from me Candid and explicit statement of the
transaction in question. A brief narration of nv
position towards Messrs Brodsrick and Latham.
In the Senatorial contest of 1887 may be t,eces-
sary to more thorough understanding of all
the facts Of the case. It is we'll known that
WAS an ardent and constant ftiehd Of Mr. Erod-
erick and advocated his election to the position
be now holds. As member of the Legislature
OF 'o6 ahd 81, | had it in my power to render
him efficient earvica -.
ferred to in repeated conversations between Mr..
Broderick and myself, the disposition Of the Fed
eral patronage in this State in the event of his
success, and the selection of suitable colleague
Tor the Senate, were discussed. Mr.. Bfoderick
voluntarily proffered me his SUPPORT for the Col.
lectorship of San Francisco This proffer was
wholly unsolicited on my part, and when after
wards (both prior and subsequent to his cleo
tlon) offered to release him from his voluntary
promise, he declined the Offer. Many weeks be-
fore the Senatorial contest l informed Mr.. La
than that he would receive my vote and support
for one OF the vacancies to be filled at the next
session OF the Legislature. This proceeding on
my part caused Mr.. Latham no little surprise,
as our personal relations for months previous
had not been of the friendliest character. in
formed him of the fact that, before making him
the promise, had consulted with Mr. Broder-
lex, and that my object was 10 advance the in
terest OF that gentleman, and, as conceived, of
the Democratic party. Shortly after this, and
long prior to the meeting of the Legislature of
1857, Messrs. Broderick and Lathart had one or
more interviews ct San Francisco, when, as |
understood, Mr.. Latham was informed that was
a candidate for the Colectorship. He arpeed
II elected, to support me for that position, pro-
vlded that my name should be presented by his
coheague. Subsequently, and while in Sacra-
mento City, received from Mr.. Latham let
Ter renewing the statement he had made to Mr.
Broderick; AMI this is the pledge which the lat
ter referred to in his Nevada speech. To this
document attached no Importance, and intend
ed to return it to the writer. had no secrecy
in relation to it, and spoke of it freely to several
OF my friends. On the evening of Monday, jan
uary 18th, 1857, DR.. Gwin received the nomina-
ton ofthe Democratic caucus. At late hour
OF the might previous Ito the best of my recol-
lection) was looking over some papers in bu-
reau drawer in my room at the Orleans Hotel,
and then missed the letter III question. imme-
diately informed Mr.. Broderick of the fact, and
also Mr.. Latham. The latter gentleman express
ed his regret at the occurrence and offered me
another letter of the same purport l then re-
turned to my room and having made another
and more thorough search, found the missing
document. Mr.. Broderick was promptly mott
Heu ludt IL uhu oeen IOunQ ana was IN nv pOS-
session. Being satisfied that Mr.. Latham had
acted with rectitude throughout the entire
transaction, assured him of mr. continued
confidence and gave him my vote in caucns to
the last ballot. What induced Mr. Broderick 10
transfer his support from Mr. Latham to DR..
Gwin 1t is not my business to determine.
short time before the final result he apprised me
of his intention to do so, and assigned certain
reasons for his change of position in the Sepa-
torial contest. Mr.. Latham's pretended COM
piicity in the fraud now alleged was not among
the reasons given. In conclusion have only
further to state that Mr. Latham after his de-
feat, gave me written recommendation for the
office Of Collector This act was generously and |
done on his part. More than two
years ago, having heard that there were some |
rumors in circulation prejudicial to Mr. La
Iham's reputation, and growing out of the trans
action to which Brederck refers, addressed a |
note to the former gentleman, expressing my
belief that his conduct towards me in the Sem
ltorial contest had been upright and honorable.
then waited on Mr. Broderick and assured hin,
bat the reports in question were false and un-
ounded.
The foregoing statement is made under the
influence of no partisan feeling. With no desire
benefit or injure any persons named in il, but
imply from sense of justice and a conviction
hat it is due to Mr. Latham,
TSioned1 3 r,,.