Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1863-05-26
TO MY LLoW-CITlzEYS OF VIRGINIA.
others.

RfCHNOD, May %, 1868.
It is known to all OF you that during the late session
Of Congress charge was made against me OF using or
attempting improper influence upon thst body
TO procure the passage of bill granting additional
compensation TO the late District Collectors of the War
Tax and that committee of investigation there
upon instituted TO examine into it, well as TO ascer-
tam if my integrity involved or compromised in
connection with II.
Occurrences of an affective character to me super
vened in two days after the adjournment Of Congress-
preventing an caller notice of the subject, and reuc
family do so now in INV present state Of feelings An
imperative of Prospect and duty, coupled with
an honest desire disabuse your minds Of any unjust
Impressions if any such have been made impes me TO
1t.
have no elaborate statement argument TO address
N Won in reference to it. profound regard for your
good opinion so long enjoyed by me, as far as my
acquaintance extends induces reluctant statement Of
few facts for your consideration, IN order that you
NAV inteligently decide in the premises
The report of the committee fully acquits of using
or attempting 10 any improper influence upon Con-
gress II also fully acqus me OF any transaction "ncon
stant with integrity but concludes with the expression
of an opinion that there was an 'imprOpriety" my
part in accepting gTatuities made to me by the
excoectors whose terms Of service had expired some six
or eight months previously / shall rot enter into
defence of tue motives prompting the late collectors in
their generosity the reasons influencing my action
In their reception None Of vicious character were
none have been charged against me OF corrupt
kind.
The committee separates me personally from the
ran.acton and so report that there nothing in It
inconSislenwith official integrity but think the act
Itself might lead to injurious abuses This then the
sun, aud substance Of the matter You have not time
to read relation in detail OF all that would be necessary
for au accurate specific comprehension Of the subject
in all its bearings | therefore sub On by way Of com
meDtary for your benefit, the action of the Virginia
Senator'S and Representatives. IN reference 10 lnhuence
upon their minds.
| had been the Chief Collector Of the War Tax for
Virginia last year. Ny official term expired on the LIST
January las.
When the subject OF new tax law for this year was
introduced in Congress- being too old TO 60 into the
field where active service required, and where ali
of nv three sons were battling for the honor and liner
ties Of the country desired TO do what could in
position requiring, as supposed some experience.
made known my wishes 70 our Senators and Represen
a;ives and they unanimously recommended me in com
planetary terms for the situation of TaxColector-in
Chief for the State of which they the trusted rep
resentatves As soon, however, rs these charges
preferred 4 withdrew their letter thus recommending
me from the flies of the Treasury Department, and adj
dressed note to each of its sgners stating that 'f
ANYTHING has occurred inducing desire to withdraw
your name FROM your former recommendation of me,
upon notice 10 that effect il viii be instantly erased"
The entire delegation, with solitary exception,
affirmed the original recommendation; and the who
preferred neutral position i'll reference to the Tax Col
ec,ors appointment wrote me chat his confidence in
nav integrity aud ability 70 discharge the duties Of the
Office was mistaken"
These gentlemen knew well, and after having
made themselves acquainted with the entire history
te transactions between the late collectors and me-
a rmed their former appreciation of my character and
ability and their preference Of the Tax Collector
Of the State.
Uoon the decision of this Board of honor high as
any on EARTH of your trusted Senator's and Representa-
tives, leave the case IN Your hands.
have feat indignant from the first at this attemptto
iniure me by necOust'ucOn of al honest and hon.
Orsb.e feeling engeudeed between the late collectors
aud nyseli which caused some of them to Tsb 10 their
generosity, tolniemniY Tor expenses incurred by
re.dvIce inthis expensive city for their benei when
sbey knew my salary insufficient deffay hem
pecialy VIII I was cut of by the of the
war from VI my private resources Bu5 have
ever fell that you knew no wellthat humble il
may be- you had too coed knowledge Of my capacity,
my open ana flank, sraghtforwardnes5 in business mat
bers and With al! too long trjed estimate OF my per-
sonL hoaor give crcdenee to any charge which was
calculated to uro in yonr good opinion without the
most indu0itable proofs
an happy, thlreiore, 10 conclude this card with the
conviction ths Il evidence have submitted from the
eutite delegation of the in my behalf is ali that
necessary to remove any m;soonsructiOn 10 which
may have heeu subject aud that having eDjoyel your
good opuion from my yOnth aud early manhood to this
jar my declining years you will unite with me In in
aud fans OF your feowet who regards in highest
estimation soar confidence hitherto reposed in him in all
past relations and who il conscious u nc acs de-
serving is forfeiture.
Truly your friend and felow-ozen,
-- Fl. T. GARNErf