The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1860-12-17
Ia w INTELLIGENCE.

CRIMINAL COURT-JuDeE BOND
Alter the call of the Grand Jury on Saturday,
that body being present, as also Mr.. Whitney, with
his counsel, Chas. H. Pitts, ESQ.,, and also the Hon.
Henry May, who has accepted the appointment of
States Attorney, Judge Bond said, that since the
last session of the Court he had addressed letter
to the Hon. Reverdy johnson, desiring him to act
as the States Attorney in the cases against Mr..
hitney, and had received reply from that gen.
tIeman declining to undertake the duties requested
of him. The Judge then handed the following
letters to the clerk, who proceeded to read them:
JUDGE BOND TO THE HON. REvERDY JOHNSON
CRIMINAL COURT OF BALTIMORE l
December TO- 1850.
Dear Sr:-I have but recently learned your return
from California, else should have been addressed by
The Grand Jury have within few days made two
presenments charging the States Attorney for Bat-
more city with mafeasance in Office, and the duty ap-
pointing prosecutor is by law devolved upon me-
These charges are of grave Importance, both to the
community and to the party charged and it absolutely
necessary that they be disposed of early date as
possible since all the business of the Criminal Court
must cease until the disability of the public
is removed
Under these circumstances desire that the present.
men should have full, thorough complete and at the
same time speedy investigation and that at the hands
OF member Of the bar whose character and reputation
would insure public confidence in whatever result the
prosecution may terminate.
regard you emnenty fitted to conduct the inves-
gation or trial of this matter with ability and impair
tiality.
and community as will lead to undertake it, as
earnestly request you to do.
Awaiting as early reply a matter grave will per
NIT, remain yours, truly,
Judge of the Criminal Court of Baltimore City.
REPLY Mr.. JOHNSON.
WASHINGTON, Dec. IL, go.
MY DEAR SIR:-Your official of yesterday is re-
ceved, and finds me so engaged that have but mo
ment to reply.
If could accept the appointment you so favoraby ten
der me, would do So as public duty; but being the
ms ohclal integrity the community would not perhaps,
be satisfied by my becoming the counsel prosecute him
in another matter affecting him in the way how
ever conscentousy might discharge the trust,
tainly should do if assumed it.
But irrespective of this consideration, whole pro
tessona time will be employed here, during the term of
the United States Supreme Court by retaners long
accepted 1t would not therefore be in my power
dertake the trust you tender me- and with proper
of the honor done in the of the tender remain
Your friend and obedient servant,
REvERDY JOHNSON.
After the reading of the above letters the Judge
remarked that Mr.. johnson having declined the
appointment, he had directed the following letter
to the Hon. Henry May, and received from him a
reply, accepting the appointment. The following
letters were also read by the Clerk:
JUDO" FOND TO HON. HENRY MAY.
baltimore, Dec. IA, 1860.
Dear SrDuring the session of the Criminal Court
Baltimore City, few days SINCE sent for you for the
purpose OF tenderng you the appointment of States
Unfortunately you absent, and since that time
have rendered the Office to the Hon Reverdy Johnson
who has declined it for given in the letter herein
enclosed.
have sincere desire that the Grand Jury should
have the advice of able during their further
session. and that their presenments should be fairly and
fully Investigated.
know of gentleman at the Bar whose professional
entities him to more public confidence respect
than your own.
Hoping that your of professional obligation and
duty to the public at large will lead you to accent it.
tender you the Office of States Attorney during the dsa
bility of the present incumbent.
Awaiting early reply,
l yours, respectfully,
HUGH L. BOND,
Judge of CriminalsCourt of Baltimore City,
MAY TO JUDGE BOND
BALTIMORE, 18th December, 1850.
Hon. Hugh L. Bond, Judge of the
Criminal Court of Baltimore city:
Dear Sir When the day following Learned of your
visit to office, and its probable object called at your
court to make proper acknowledgement but found
1t closed and was informed you had gone to Washington
to offer the appointment of States Attorney pro tempoTe
to Mr.. johnson,
In reply your letter. of this date just handed me,
beg leave to say that l would gladly avoid the un-
pleasant duties of the office you have rendered to f
my sense of professional obligation and duty to the public
at large" would permit.
But do not feel at liberty to decline however repug
nant may be to my Wishes the call OF judicial mags-
trate invoking professional services aid in the
administration of the laws
And SO answer now, as l would have done when you
first called on that accept the Office of States Attorney
present incumbent"
Thanking you for the fattering terms in which you
have conveyed this appointment
am, very respectfully,
Your ob't serv't
H. MAY.