The New York herald., 1862-03-16
The Van Wyck Committee and MIR. Alex.
ander Cummings Statement.
HON WILLIAM ID. KEIIEY, Ms1BER OF CONGRESS. FoURrH

HON WILLIAM d. KBlLEY MsaBER OF CONGRESS-. FOURTH
severe and protractsd illness from which have as
yet only partially recovered, has prevented me, until
now from responding to IN any way noticing the
traordnary assault upon my character contained in the
report Of what Ii known the "Van Wyck Committee
made to the House OF Representatives. the Of De-
eember last embrace the earliest moments OF retnrn
ing health TO meet and refute the unounded allegations
contained in that report.
address you because your constitucn.-long and
well known TO you-and need no further commentator.
yoa therefore, upon the first fitting occasion when
this subject be before the House, to introduce this
letter that it may have the publicity with the
SANDERS tha. have been uttered against me.
Towards the middle of December eng after Con
gress had convened hearing greatly to my SURPRISE
through friend that the report Of the committee about
10 be made contained statements nurously affecting my
reputation TO Washington from sick bed against
scsinr the members Of the committee 70 sscertap
possible. what the question, il any, in their minds
In relation TO my transactions. waited in person upon
q majority OF the members OF the committee, although
scarcely able to leave the hotel and while obtained
information yet inferred, from certain circumstances
that they about aliege discrepancies in re-
ation TO my accounts. knew the accounts were all
before them, that there could be complaint alleged
against and earnestly requested the delay OF the
port for single day stating 10 them that would de-
spatch. and subsequently that had sent special mes
senger to New York for Mr. Batchford, who had his
possession facts and vouchers which would relieve me
from the slightest suspicion in relation to the transsc
tions which have received the Of the COM
mittes and which understood they were about to cr
else.
Though rcfusing,ib vote of the majority Of those
present. TO grant my request these urgent, specific
maniesty just grounds and instructng their chairman
make the report forthwith 10 happened by some acc
dent that the report delayed for the 9Th tmo
desired during which interval Mr. Batchford arrived
Washington for tho express purpose OF appearing before
the committee. Immediately and personally communi-
Gated the fact OF Mr. Batchfords presence to the CON-
mittee.
Twas advised by physician in Washington, who was
in constant attendance upon and warned by my own
regain my health, must speedily return home | left
Washington, not entertaining doubt that Mr. Blatchford
who remained there. would be called upon by the com
mttee TO furnish the important Information had
sured them was in his possession and which would have
saved from the least suspicion Of wrong The public
will be SURPRISED as have been 10 learn that Mr. Eatch
ford not allowed 20 appear before the committee un
I'll after tho report, with all its reckless and
luminous msstalements was launched upon tho House
and the country. submit 10 you whether there ever
conduct more unjustitable.
My iness-a severe attack Of gastric fever-proved
OF long continuance and for considerable portion the
period OF doubtful result, with utter inability and entire
prohibition to think Of business OF any kind what
During all this time, unconscously to myself the
misrepresentation Of the committee have been poisoning
the public mind have bit quite recently been able
leave my room and have within tho last three days
for the first time, copy Of the report f Is
Only since my arrival In Washington that have learned
OF The extent Of its injurious character You may udge
ii you can, how have bcen asoundcd at it, contents
Tho eXtraordinary and unprecedented course Of the
committee seemed TO flow from desire which, wronged
have been. will not lmpute Go Ga M TO produce
mmense sensation with partial and unproven facts: and
that course has given rise 70 an impression which the
committee owei to themselves and the country promptly
TO dspe that they deliberately and Of purpose excluded
the testimony OF ono Of the most prominent ctzens of
New York, lest il should in any way conflict with the
supposed Developments with which they appeared TO be
eager 10 startle Congress and the people.
For myself, tho best reply, and the comprchon
sve and conclusive defence will be contained simple
brief, and impartial recital Of all the transactions
ferred to by the committee So rapid has been the
rent Of events and eetng is memory that IL is
cessary by way fpromises 10 recall the condition
of tho country At the period referred Rebellion
not only ngufsd all south o the Potomac but the nsur.
rcctionary spirit had spread over Maryland seized its
metropolis, and cut OF all communication between the
capital OF the nation and the loyal portion Of the people
Tho terror and the panic throughout tho land the
fortnight succeeding the tragedy in Baltimore on tho
10th of April, appalling and well nigh parayzng 10
the courage aud the energies Of ALL The national auho-
rites Washington astonshed and perexsd and
scarcely knew which way 10 turn for relief They had
found the officers OF the regular army and navy deserng
them by scores, and snistng under traitor ensign and
they knew not whom 70 trust among those that
tanned an outward allegiance TO the told nag"-maHy
OF whom by subsequent dcsortion, have justified the
suspicious then entertained OF their loyalty. In this
pcrous emergency the Corporation Of the city OF New
York prompted by the impulses Of tho popular mind
came forward with appropriation s. 900 900 sor the
national defence and the authorities at Washngon--sc
To- 70 New York~caed :, their aid persons Intimately
known 10 them in whose judgment and integrity they
had confidence and Of whose patriotic loyalty there wa.
measures were adopted by the Treasury and War Depart
nsnts land the Navy also), az set forth In the ollownl
| communications,
TREASURY DErAnrnEST. Apra a. 1851
The By. he csany
a. and Il opsr
upon the Treasury may be met without lhe delay conse
quen upon the present interruption OF all regular commu
nieaton with this Department Two drafts for 81 QO000
each have this day gone forward which will place such
70 your credit with the Assistant Treasurer AT New York
The purpose Of mis- fund e % meet only such requson
as may be directly consequent upon the military and
measures necessary the defence and support o the
vernment You are therefore authorized aud requested
pay such demands upon you, within the above limit
presented 70 you BY the duly constituted OF the rf
vernment The department doubts your willingness
render every assistance In your power th unp9cecne
state Of affairs When possible, hoped that Won viii N
uni!e II sssh 9ct ,eTeny Authorized If however from an
Gauge ftJ nHcl Rcton cannot be had oritv nav 81
ercsc the full authority evea IL As wlxs; and Il any ei
traordnary emergency shall create Iye~v for A. an
one may % so. Very respectfully y. y. CHASE,
Secretary of the Treasury.
Messrs Jons a. DIX oEoRGt oPDYKE, r " DtATcnr6sr
| New York.
Arru, q 1901