Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1870-08-05
An Acknowledgements Affair
The Alexandria MISUNDERSTANDING
Railroad Difficulty, &c.

MIR. Joseph Segar, eX'memDer OIL congress
from Virginia, yesterday severely assaulted
MIR. William S. Lincoln, ez member of Con-
gress from New York, at the Railroad station
in Washington, for alleged caumnious state
ments about him by the latter, in reference to
the re- charter of tho Fredericksburg and Alex
andria Railroad Company addressed to gen.
tlcman in Washington. Mr. Scgor attacked
him with cane. When brought before the
no)ice court he declared he regarded it as his
dutv TO innct the punishment, but denied the
charge that be intended to kill. lie was held
to bail in the SUN of $1,000, General Robert
Williams becoming security for his appearance
before the Grand Jury.
The Washington Republican Of this morn
inc gives the following particulars OF the affair,
which, as they are of interest to many OF the
readers of the Gazette We publish 10 full:
1T seems from the statements of Mr. Scsar
that the difficulty at the depot between that
gentleman and MIR. Lincoln grew out OF the
Quarrel which has been going on some time
over The Fredericksburg aad Alexandra rail
road franchise, &c.
Mr. Segar alleges that he was employed by
the parties interested to 20 to Richmond and
aid Mr. Lincoln in securing q new charter Tor
the road, with certain amendments ln'rouuccu
favorable to the corporation.
He claims that he went there, and by his
personal Influence secured the passage Ola bill
granting charter highly advantageous to the
corporators and the purchasers OF the franchise.
He asserts that while in Richmond he was
treated hy Mr.. Lincoln with respect and cour
tesy. and was daily consulted by him in re!a-
ton TO the pending legislation, but that after
the work was done, and the franchise secured,
payment for his services was refused, and he
| recently learned that while Mr.. Lincoln was
working 10 apparent harmony and unison with
| him at Richmond, he was writing letters
to those in the rear that he (Scgar) vas a
drunkard and an injury to their interests, &c.
When these facts came to bis knowledge ne
determined to chastisc Mr.. Lincoln upon the
first opportunity. Meeting him in the depot
on Thursday he proceeded to carry this reso.
luton into effect lie denies any intention Of
killing MIR. Lincoln, his object being 10 chas
tise him for the duplicity and deceit prac:lced
upon the occasion referred to.
| Mr. Liucoln's statement is substantially as
follows:
Some time ago he entered ictO ntract
with Mr. Joseph Is. Stewart looking to the
revival Of charter to Virginia railroad which
had expired by limitation, and in which Stewart
| had been Qnite i prominent person, but Tor
some reason had become obnoxious to the
other interested parties and it was conceded
By all concerned that the necessary action on
| the part OF the Legislature OF Virginia could
rot be obtained il it was known that Stewart
was interested TO this end Stewart made the
contract with Mr. Lincoln, agreeing for GER
tain consideration TO procure all the stock &c,
heretofore issued under the Old charter, which
was to be turned in 10 the new owners, contn.
gent upon the success OF Mr.. Lincoln before
the Legislature OF Virginia.
In order to accomplish his work AIR. j..
temporarily established himself at the Spots
wood hotel, 10 the capital Of the Old Domn'
ion, aud was busily engaged in the labor as
signed him, when one day he was called upon
by Hon. Joseph Segar. who brought with him
a letter from Mr. Stewart introducing him as
an old Virginian, and gentleman who would
probably be useful 10 the prosecution ct the
railroad affair. \ conversation was had, In
which Mr.. Segar gave Lincoln to understand
that he was on his way TO Norfolk. hut iuten-
| ded to stop day or two.
The second day Mr.. $. called again, and
again on the third day. At this interview a
''sma loan Of ten dollars was asked by him.
which was readily accorded. His departure Tor
| Norfolk was from time to time delayed, and he
became a sort Of volunteer assistant TO Mr.
Lincoln, "troubine' him occasionally for
small loans" until they had amounted in the
aggregate to about %. This money was used
as MIR. Lincoln alleges, for the purchase OF vsri-
Gus creature comforts, the constant use OF which
had the effect of rendering the Hon. Joseph
garruous and occasionally oblivious to what
| was passing.
His conduct was such as to create distrust on
the part OF members of the Legislature, and the
plans Of Mr. Lincoln seemed 10 be in jeopardy,
so much so that friends in both branches
warned him of the consequences it Mr.. Segar
was allowed to 20 about representing himself
as counsel for the new road, dc. The action
ottke gentleman and the general feeling against
him had the effect CT causing Dir. Llccoln to
write several letters to MIR. Stewart, begging
him to recall his friend, as he was mperl!lag the
we're very frank, and cpltnets more forc bic
than elegant were applied to Mr. Segar, such
as "a nuisance" "a dead beat" &C., Mr.. Lin
coin further stating that as Mr.. Secar was an
old man he did not like 10 speak harshly to
him, but preferred that Mr.. Stewart should
do SO.
Prior to this however, Mr.. Segcr came to
| Lincoln with the story of Mr.. Stewards unpo-
pularity, and giving it as his advice that he
should be gotten out of the scheme. In reply
| Mr. Lincoln told him that Stewart vas entirely
out Of the affair, and to further convince him.
self Mr.. Seear wrote desiring Stewart to state
| in letter his exact status. The answer from
| MIR. Stewart was positive letter stating dis
| tinctly that he had no interest in the matter
whatever. This letter was shown to the MEM
| bers Of the Legislature, and may have had its
| effect. Anyhow, MIR. Lincoln succeeded in his
| work, ard the necessary legislation was accom-
| pIished.
When all had been completed, Mr.. Lincoln
states that Stewart endeavored to ring in
| and control the company, and acted in other
matters very wrong-so much so that it was
thou ght best to obtain proof against him and
convict him at his own hands Accordingly
his letter to Mr.. Segar was obtained, and a
photograph copy obtained thus was Mr.. j. b.
Stewart "cbeck mated. Upon making this
discovery, Mr.. Stewart showed Mr.. Segar
Lioco!ns letter containing the opprobrious