The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1867-08-19
TIE sAsgsu cusuvEa REVELAT0as.
Letter from Ex-ConGressman Riddle TO Sec
rotary seward.

Letter from Ex-CenGressman Riddle 10 Sec
rotary seward.
Washington, August IL, 1867.
Hon william Il. SEWARD Secretary OF State
DEAR sis--i nnd my uamo in Tho public prints in
with alleged conspiracy against the President
of The United stat s. aud supposed part in il grow
Out Of a service with which was honored by you
deem due 10 myself to submit this statement for your
con Iteration -
eno.ee upon the investigation of the sarratt case
for other purpose but to faithfully contribute what
might 70 honest development of tho facts OF
The case. For this purpose ! sought every Of
information sud explored every story and rumor that
promised Tho least sht on any part OF tho transaction
connected Sh the murder OF the late President which
reached mo. Whatever found be truo aud pertinent
placed IN the hands of my associates, who only
responsible for the uss mads Of II the trial.
Among others, made inquiries OF Sanford Couovor
concerning certain persons and transactions n Canada
anl on our northern border having some connection
WHO the case had never seen him till net him in
Jail, and never saw him but twice and both times at
about The commencement of tho trial. Some OF tho in
formation received from him ! found by other tests
10 DO correct, and, a. believe Of considerable value
The name OF no witness used by the government how
e'cr, was given me by Conover nor can recall any
facts given in evidence that derived from him.
William H. Ceayer was an important w,ness for tho
government the trial of Payne aud Others and the
Information Of the fnrh facts testified BIZ him at
the aie trial reached me IN statement Of Ceaver's
made The acquaintance OF Gleaver in tho army and from
sources unknown 10 me he received an intimation
that Cleaver had some knowledge Of John Sur
ralt, and visited him at my request This
led 10 interview between Ciaaver and myscrr
In NE je' had then Conover, nor
anybody what Cleaver could testify until Ceavor gave
h.s evidence az the trial know nothing Of tho case
history OF character OF Copocer further than
to tho public. ] know nothing Whatever of any
nun cation between Mr.. Ashley and Conover knew
thft motion for q new trial pending In Conovor's
cas- which was effectively resisted by the District At
torney. never heard that Mr.. Ashley interested
In procuring pardon for CoDover until the report
on Conover's application by the Assistant Attorney
General on Saturday until then had heard
OF tue note supposed 10 have been wctten by Mr. ASH
icy TO Judge Holt and myself No such note nor any
note from Mr., Ashley was ever delivered shown to
mo by anybody, nor have |, at tme in any way
o1ved any communication from Mr. Ashley in reference
20 CoDover. desired that ne might remain hero until
the testimony In the Suarat closed. and be-
in any way serve any other purpose object wish OF
NINE
On The morning Of the 22d Of July Conover's wife
called at my Office and saId she about apply
Tho President for pardon for her husband asked
me ". ~ view OF his communications TO me, was dis
posed TO say or write word ~ his favor. told her
would The information had received given
freely fairly and with seeming candor and truth ness
without condition or stipulation his part, and without
promise or assurance on mine thought his services
had been OF vauo and rsat down and the to
The President which appears IN Mr. Binckleys report
10 was written IN good faith and Is true
My interview with NIs. Durham Mrs. CoDoverI took
place IA The presence and hearing of General Mu
with tho exception OF disclosing the information itself
which derived from Conover this statement all
know Of him, and frankly admit that surprised
at the made of note Of the 22d Of July in tho
OF the Assistant Attorney General the
President Very respectfully your obedient servant.
A. G. RIDDLE.