Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1870-05-25
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BLASTS and Counter Eiiasts.
PAS mars,,a,ss.ip again.

In conversation with Col Blackburn,
Marshal for this district, We have learned
the following. as some of the alleged bar
gains by which it was recently attempted to
overthrow him from the position which he
now occupies;
First, the grounds alleged were that he
was connected with one Hanford as a part
ner in the claim business, and while thus
connected, The firm swindled the United
States Government out of vast amounts Of
ereenbaoks in various ways.
Second, he was accused of having SIM
liar connection with o. G. French and the
aforesaid Hanford in the forging Of vouchers
for Qusrtermaster's and Commissary stores
to considerable amount.
Both Of these charges were fully set out
in letter addressed to Gen. Wna. Stokes,
member of Congress, published by us some
days ago, and in which letter Col Blackburn
asked of the department thorough inves-
tigation.
Thusmatters have stood until q few days
since when Col. Blackburn was notified to
take proof in the case, the matter having
been referred to the proper authorities for
| investigation. Col. Blackburn went to
| Washington and found there, on file
/ d lOt VI dlllAlGNltb anu otslOCIlCntS AOAlA
different individuals all taken and
filed as we learn in the Department by one
| 4. ID. Lyons, now of this city, who hes
been acting as sort of United States
agent 1t is claimed that he is known to
but few in the city, and that his work
seems to have been clandestine move
ment. On Col. Blackburn's return from
| Washington, he proceeded to take proofs
and investigate the matter, being satisfied
that the whole case was worked up and
forced upon him by ofice-seekers, bent on
ostracism and persecution. Mr.. Blackburn
| procured the afidavits of the gentlemen
named below, in the order in which we
| give them, before the proper officials, and
forwarded them to Washington by express
on Saturday last, viz: Jesse T. Hail. al
present Clerk and Master of the Chancery
Court of DeKalb county, and worthy and
reliable gentleman, states that Col. Black
burn was never sworn by him to any affida-
| Wit, and that he never authorized any one to
use his official seal to any affidavit of Col.
B. He further states that he has known
Col. Blackburn for number of years, and
has had very extensive business connec-
ton with him, and regards him as perfect
ly honest and reliable, and believes that
all attempts to impugn him or connect him
With forgeries or swindles against the Gov
| eminent are false. Thomas P Jones testi-
fies that he never gave his affidavit to
Lyons. VIM. F. Cravens certifes that he
did not give his affidavit to Lyons, and
further, that if his name appears to any
affidavit it is forgery. NJ. Ii. Bradley
certifes to the same, and SO also does Jno.
Keith. Now the forged afidavits ofall these
parties are on file at Washington, and it
is upon these affidavits that the combina-
ton above referred to are undertaking. the
work against Col. Blackburn.
These afidavits are regarded by the
friends of Blackburn as crushing counter
blasts and as settlers to the charge of forg-
ing and swindling alleged against him in
the voucher and claim business. Meantime
the latest intelligence and dispatches re-
ceived from Washington on Monday, indi-
cate that Col. Blackburn would hold his
place, and that he will be permittedto have
full investigation which he assures US he
desires. Hefurther intimates that if forced
to the alternative he will be able to show
up by names combination mostly in this
city whose workings are of the most dis
reputable and dangerous character. He
says that he would regret to be forced to
do SO, but if the necessity comes he will do
his whole duty and spare not.
| Though the latest intelligence would in
dictate that he will be retained, there is
nothing nowadays more uncertain than
official position, and the events of day
| may strip him of his robes.
Thus the matter remains at present.
/