The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1867-08-16

and that every man who contributed in
this way to the impeachment of the Presi-
dent would deserve we'll of the country,
and that be (Ashley) would see them re-
warded ten-fold when your success sor should
come into power.
subsequently the parties were present.
ed to Butler, and after being inspected
and passed by him, were introduced by
MIN and Ashley to several radical men,
bers of the House, who, it is understood,
had hitherto doubted the existence of
evidence duplicating you 10 the assassina-
ton conspiracy, and who informally in
terrogated them as to the matters upon
which they had been instructed. TAT
Butler desired to have taken the depo-
sitions of these men at the time, but l
would not consent to its being done uu-
til | should be released, as at first agreed.
These facts can be proved by these
three persons, and also by my wife, whose
character for truth aud veraoity is net in
ferior to Mr.. Ashley's; and I shall take
pleasure, if at liberty, in producing them
before any committee or tribunal for the
impeachment of the impeachers.
But the evidence of this conspiracy does
not depend entirely upon one proof
The letters from Ashley herewith en-
closed, in themselves speak volumes
What statement [BJ from me could he
have wanted, and for what purpose p
Anything it was in my power to state to
him orally dozen times during his pre-
yious visits to me. -l.
The statement he wanted was this, and
for this purpose
There were many prominent radicals
and especially among his own constituents
VINO were luke-warm on the subject Of
impeachment, who were not prepared to
believe that you were privy to the murder
OF Lincoln, aud whose corporation was
greatly needed. Ashley, therefore, de-
sired to be able to place before them as
surances that the most uuquestionable
evidence OF your guilt could be produced.
He, therefore, requested me to prepare an
elaborate paper setting forth 'hat such
persons could be produced who knew and
would testify to this, that and the other
thing, Including the pretentions that
Booth had been seen in your room seve-
raj times; that you had corresponded
With him and with parties in Richmond :;
and the persons who could testify to these
facts were of the most respectable stand.
Ing, and would come forward and tell all
they knew, if protected by the Govern
ment. lie wished me to put it in style
and tone that would be sure to carry con-
vlctlon with it. He desired that in addi-
ton to the points of evidence we had con-
ierred ab'ut, my statements should con-
tain othels, and be gave me q memoran-
dunn OF other points which be requested
m to incorporate in my statement. TB.1|
This memorandum 1 enclose, and l be.
lleye 1t Is in Matchetts handwriting "a.
After preparing the statement sent it to
him at Toledo, where he wished to mako
use of it. [C.]
There IS another note from Ashley, en-
closed, worthy of attention. 1t is in pen.
Gil, aud was written at the office ofJudge
Cartier. lie. +. After the failure,
through The laundering of Matehett, to
secure. my release at the time promised,
became angry and used pretty severe Ian
guage to Matchett. He went to Ashley
and Butler in alarm, and reported that l
was gong to-expose the entire scheme to
you. After the persons had sent for to
New York, as witnesses, had returned,
Matchett endeavored, without my knowl-
edge, to persuade them to come here
again, and in his letters, to two of them
he thoughtlessly suggested some additions
that 1t was desired they should make to
their statements. He made these state
mentS by letter, as his letters explained,
because he was not certain that he should
DO here when they arrived, or they might
meet, Judge Bingham or some other per-
son they had been introduced to when
previously here before no could see them
and give them points, and therefore want
ed them 'posted."
After my talkingto him SO severely on
account of the failure to have me released
at the time promised, 10. FL Matchett
became frightened, and seemed 10 get the
idea that had his letters to those parties,
and sent them, or copies of them, to you.
Possibly, in my anger, 1 then uttered as.
much. He, therefore, made known his
fears to Ashley and Butler, and Ashley
endeavored by this note to obtain the let
tiers.
l have just been ordered to get ready
for the penitentiary.
Very respectfully,
CHAS DUNuAN