The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1867-02-05
who and What Impeacher Ashley
From the Rochester onion. ]


House of Representatives and the man
who figures as chief prosecutor before
the judiciary Committee Of that body. is
James NJ. Ashley, Of Toledo, Chic. Nowp
aside from any question as to the guilt or
Innocence of the President it is of some
little interest to the people to know the
standing of those who arraign him for
Official misconduct. This man Ashley
is doubtless one of the most inscriptions
knaves in Congress. Our attention was
first called to him few years ago when
| it appeared in revelations made by the
Toledo Blade as to the operations Of COLI
j. Graham Klinck in the Quartermaster's
Department that he was the patron of
that honest and patriotic Individual and
secured his appointment in the bread and
butter division of the army, and we have
kept an eye on him since. Without fur
ther introduction we present below Sc
ries of letters from Ashley's own pen to
"My Dear Case" radicsl patriot like
himself who painted for an opportunity
to serve his country and put money in
his purse, written Eve years ago:
a"WAsHINGToN, D. c., March IL, 1861.
"MY DEAR CASE: l have made some
progress to-day about the Surveyorship
of Colorado, In order to secure the In
diana delegation and--to operate on
Smith, the Secretary of the Interior, I
have promised that all the sub-appoint-
ments shall be made by us jointly, I Civ
ing them the first choice. You must
write me letter Immediately, authoriz-
ing me to make that pledge for you. |
want you. to write Immediately to all
your friends, and let them write letters
indorsing you as practical civil engi-
1eer, and otherwise, and direct to the
Secretary of the Interior, but to me ,on
the envelope. l have written to - :
and --. twice on the subject, to get
you the Endorsement of the Legislature.
| have not got it yet. Please write them.
Charley feels delicacy in pressing your
claims, because he expects to be candi-
date for Clerk of the next House, aud
does not want to run across the track of
any one. What you do, do quickly.
"Now, Frank, this is the best Office, in
my judgment, in the gift Of the President,
and | would resign to day if were sure
/ could keep it four years. If you get
| it, 1 aodnt to ANTE aoith yoW as a full part
ner IN alland spcculdtions and toaon sites.
| have worked earnestly and hard for
you, and nope to succeed, You Go mot
stand as much chance for the Marshal
ship as you do to be struck by lightning,
and Kingsbury is not much better-a lit
tie. This is on the square.
Truly yours, j. NJ. ASHLEY"
Nv AsH1NGToN, D. c., March Is, 1861.
my DEAR CASE: Everything hangs
on a hair, You must use the telegraph
to obtain letters, and have them forward
ed to me at once Let the writer's send
them to me instead of you.
IF get this appointment it will be
the first of such Importance where the
candidate has done nothing. l have
promised all the subordinate Offices under
4 you to get help, ane you must write me
ot once, authorizing me fully under your
own hand, to make this good. l ask for
three of the places myself and give the
rest TO other members who are helping
me.
This is considered the best appointment
in all the Territories, and is the best Of
all the Territorial appointments. wan,
to have an interest uith you, If I get the
lplace,i IN the city and toton lot specubItions.
The Pacific Railroad will 90 through
this Territory, and it will be fortune to
us if can get it. There are some fifty
or more applications for it. - has
promised to help me.
"Write immedistely-make the letter
plain aud unequivocal as to the appoint.
ments | have promised, so can show it
and on separate piece of paper say what
you think of my proposition forcity and
town-lot speculations. - al.-
IL will probably be Chairman of Com.
mittee on Territories, if we can carry out
) the programme to elect Grow Speaker
and your brother, Charley Case. of Indi-
ano, Clerk, and then I will kaoao all the
proposed expenditures in the Territories
} and post you in adeance. Write one let
ter for me and the other to show
"Damn your business in the Williams
County Court. Write and telegraph.
Truly, j. M. ASHLEY
"WAsHINGToN CITY, March 10, 1861.
"MY DEAR CASE: Our matter is il
better shape to day. The Presiden
promised me that this appointment shoulc
not be made until next week, and said
should have fair hearing.
E - 81 shall fear a defeat, however, if | d.
q not get your written authority to guar
. antee that all your subordinate appoint
ments shall be secured to the persons
: whs helped me through thishatter, ant
that you will fully authorize me to pledg
you to perform the promises | have ma d
that the surveyors and sub, contractors t
) be employed by you, are to be at tn
joint disposal of two other persons am
s myself. Please copy and send me atone
L the enclosed for that purpose
e '.Now, one word, as to ourselves. l
t is agreed that my brother Eli is to b
Chief Clerk. and my brother William, VIII
!, is now in Colorado, shall have such a po
1 sitfon as he can fill, he having alway
Ebeen farmer. The other | shall. selec
O whensI have more time The surveying
contracts, &C., we will fix after the ap
t pointment by meeting at Toledo or -
. by agreement with --, and others. 81
ssNow, if / get this / want to be fuI
a loo,a,t,,or xvitb yor, I'M the nurehase Of 81