The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-11-15
GREELEY, SImONToS AND BUTLER.

NEW YORK, Nov. ~, 1865.
To THE EDITOR or THE HERALD:-
A communication over my signature, relating To
James ". Simonton, agent OF the Associated Press
published In the tribune, seems to have so flied the
soul OF Mr.. Greeley with remorse that for two or
three days past he has abandoned his favorte topics
OF agriculture and reconstruction to make my expose
of Smonton's real character The subject OF a series
OF peneential paragraphs. Having had the benefit
oil the Tya5t,ie's circulation-for which courtesy |
hold myself ndebted-and being Indifferent to Mr..
Grecley's appreciation was at first disposed to allow
the eminent agriculturist to applaud or condemn
my action as he saw 1T; but the Tribune OF last We'd
nesday contained an editorial paragraph so grossly
false in tenor and fact that although dislike 10 fur
ther pursue matter which should now be settled pri-
vately the characteristic conduct OF the philanilro
pst who strenuousy exerted himself 10 I'LL thou
sands Of Southern graves with Northern soldiers and
then tendery gave bail Tor Jefferson DAVIS, leaves
me no recourse but 10 publish the reason why.
Immediately upon the publication OF my letter 10
The n tb"ne, J. W simonton entered proceedings
for libel against Mr.. Greeley. That enough. De.
termined opposition has no charms for The bran
bread philosopher, and he clamored for a comprO-
mise a. earnestly Us when from the sweet security
Of his editorial sanctum ne vocierated 10 the Union
army TO wade through gore To the gates OF Rich
mond. The compromise was granted Tor u con-
slderation, and Mr.. Greeley has been making good
The consideration by tri-weeky instaments vi abect
apology and rclracton. The agent OF the Associated
Press uscd his oiical position 10 telegraph through
out the country that he had brought libel suit
against the tribune. He has not thought IL neces-
sary 10 telegraph It's withdrawal and for that reason
also ash the use Of your widely read columns that
Mr.. Greeley's immunity from legal persecution may
be made known ~ the admiring turnp growers and
grateful rebels throughout the land.
On last Friday Mr.. Greeley intilnated In an edito-
rial. headed aeneral Buffers Canvass" that my
letIer upon J. w. Simonton was prompted by Cen
era Butter and added THAI the letter was written in
the "Butler3n fashion OF conducting controversy"
thoroughly abusive &c. General Butler did not
prompt my action. simply denounced !. W. SimoJl-
ton for aspersions 0u the memory OF my father dead
now for years and consequently unable to personally
combat calumny. think even Mr.. Greeley viii
admit that dead man Is entitled 10 the good Offices
OF his General Butler takes excellent OF his
own quarrels aud, believe. generally holds his own
against even stouter Antagonists than the agent Of
the Associated Press.
In conclusion, sir, LEI me add that mr. Grccey's
objections TO my fashion of conducting coutro-
vetsy comes with an Ill grace from veteran journ
allst who has repeatedly an'i cuuseicssy branded
the most respected and distinguished vi political
opponents n 'larsn and Williams
Thanking you sir. for the space you have granted
for The vindicalion OF truth. remain very truly.
your opcdlcnt servant. Gbph1E II. III fLER