Daily State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1862-10-30

Curious DeUelopments-Jobbingi in High Places
The Present 10 Mrs. Grimslsy- Testimony Of
Mr. For-Rerelations Concerning the Award
Of Contracts-President Lincoln and Secretary
Cameron Helping Friend-Their Letters to
Gen MeKinstry
The proceedings of the court martial of Gen.
McKinstry at st. Louis. generally very dull read
ing, are occasionally relieved by testimony which,
TO say the least, is very suggestive. The follow
ing extract from the report of the proceedings a
few days ago will be read with interest. The
witness on the stand is Mr.. Fox:
q. Are you personally acquainted with the
President of the United Statesl
A. | am.
q. How long have you been acquainted with
him?
A. For nearly ten years.
q. Are you acquainted with his hand writing?
A. Yes, sir
q. Do you know James L. Lamb, of Spring
field. Illinois?
A. | do, sir
@. Did not James L. Lamb, of Springfield.
accompany you at one time to Major Mckinstry s
officer
A met Mr.. Lamb at Major McKinstry's
Office; did not 60 with him there
q. On that occasion did not one or both of
you present Major McKinstry two letters, one
from the President of the United States and one
from the Secretary of War?
\. Not on that occasion. sir.
q. Did you or Mr.. Lamb at any time present
such lettersl
A. Mr.. Lamb told me that he presented such
letters
q. Were You not present on the occasion when
those letters were preSentedy
\. No, sir. | was not will state, however.
| carried such letters from Mr. Lamb to Major
McKinstry
q. Are hot those letters now shown to you.
and marked "A" and b" the same presented on
the occasion referred to-
A. They are.
Major Mckinstry here asked the Judge Advo-
cate to read the letters referred to.
The Judge Advocate read as follows:
WASHINGTON. Sept 10, 1861
81 Mcknstry Brigadier General and Quarter
master. st. Louis:
Permit me to introduce Jsmes II. Lamb, Esq,
of Springfield. Illinois
L have known Mr.. Lamb for a great many
years. His reputation for integrity and ability TO
carry out his engagements are both unquestioned,
and ] shall be pleased, if consistent with the
public good. that you will make purchases of
him OF any army supplies needed in your depart
ment. Your obedient servant
"a. LINCOLN.
WASHINGTON. Sept 9, 1862
u McKinstry. Brigadier General and Quarter
master. st. Louis:
"SR-The bearer of this, James L. Lamb
ESQ, of Springfield, Illinois, Is the personal
friend of the President well NV own. He
is a gentleman of integrity and business capacity,
and any engagement entered into. will no doubt
be faithfully carried out. As Illinois Is bearing
her burden of the war, both in furnishing men
4.
that the citizens OF that State should have fair
shore of the Government patronage dispensed in
your department. 1t YOU do anything Tor
Mr. Lamb, in purchasing supplies, YOU will Oh
lige, provided he will make his prices suit you.
Your Obedient servant,
SIMON CAMERON,
Secretary OF War
q. Did YOU, some time i'm 1861 make an ar
rangemeut with Mr. Lamb and Others to supply
the army with goods?
A. made arrangements with Mr.. Lamb
The Judge Advocate here objected 10 the let
tiers becoming part OF the record. on the ground
that they had no reference to any party VINO was
connected with the transactions cover ed by the
charges and Specifications before the court
Major Mckinstry said he offered these letters
TO justify the course pursued by the accused in
buyng horses and other supplies for the army
from llinoisans. without FIRST advertising for
proposals. and, further. 10 show that the Presi-
dent OF the United States and the Secretary of
War knew OF the course that MAS adopted by the
accused in making bis purchases. and that the
Secretary of War left the matter of fixing the
price 10 the accused.
Court cleared. reopened and Court decided
that the letters should become n part of the re-
cord
q State who the parties were who made such
an agreement.
A. Ii vas between Mr. Lamb and myself.
q Were not other parties associated with Mr..
Lamb and yourself in the contemplated arrange
mentf
a Yes. sir: so Mr. Lamb informed me
q. Who were theyr
A. NV conversation with Mr. Lamb was of
confidential character. and do wish to state
II