, 1874-06-07
LOCAL LETTERS.

10 the Eatsor q Tbs Chicago Tribune:
SIR: In The TRIBUNE OF this morning appears
an article which desire, in simple justice to
myself, to correct and submit to the public in =
light consistent with facts.
In the ear1y part Of the month OF February I
received notice that had been sending obscone
and illegal matter through the mails. then sub
mitted for inspection to the Post Ofhce officials a
the books had been sending through the mails.
After examining them carefully, I WAS informed
that the officials here could find no Objectionable
matter in the books, but it WAS not in their pow
er to decide the matter, az specialAgent Com
stock had charge Of such matters, and would be
he re in few days to settle the question. Tho
next evening b6t one. 1 received h visit from
him, and by him was led to believe that had
been transgressing the fixed, immaculato
laws Of this paternal Government had taken
no legal advice IN the matter, for did not deem
it Of enough importance to notice. Comstook
informed me that = warrant Was out for my Ar
rest, but that, I would sign certain paper, No
would settle UP the matter, and that l should
hive no further trouble that small hne "onlo
be imposed upon me as = matter OF form.
Being ignorant Of the legal phaso OF the mat
ter. I was persuaded into signing nolle con-
tendere by Comssock. At the time, l. WAS igno.
rant Of the nature OF the paper, and signed
it, as he assured me had been guilty OF wrong.
but that be would do the best he could: And
herein consists my ofense, that was 1oolish
blind enough to believe him, and be guided Dy
his advice. Contrary to his promise. the warrant
vas served, aud when appeared 1T court Was
number. l then took the pains to convict him
Of having broken his solemn promise to me-
left the court room and paid no attention to
the matter, and thought TINT should boar nc
more OF it. On tho 10th OF February entered
the store OF Messrs. ". B. Keen, Cooke & Co.,
which position still hold. Yesterday Was
visited By a ninion Of the law who Informed me
that he had an order for my arrest, and also re-
called me with history OF the search ComstocA
had made for me- in Washington and New YORK;
nresented myself at the Marsnal's Office. and
was ordered to pay my fine OF 922445 Originally
sl7577) asked to consult my attorney, and
by him WIS told to pay the frat ano, but to
resist any further bleeding by dishonest Govern
ment officials.
I rendered them the s175.77, and by them this
WIS accepted in heu Of the e224.45. very spg-
gestiye proceeding. I have been Informed "
legal men since, that should have stood tr1a1
aud would have been honorably acquitted:
hayo boon told by the PoBt-Otice authorities that
the whole proceeding was an outrageous
blackmail, and advised to seek redress
take this means to deny in toto ail that mas
been alleged against me, and hold myself reaoy
at al times to produce any and ~ matter 1o:-
yarded bv me. have been in the book busl-
ness nearly thirteen years, and have mover dealt
in Illegal, iliegitimate obscene literature in any
way, shape, or manner. My goods are for sale,
and can be had at any reputable book store IN
the United States I find life no easier battle
than other men who have families to support,
Int NV greed is not 80 great that must needs
spread pitfalls for the young and snares for tho
Thai have been bled to satisfy Government
yultures. is my misfortune; that should again
fa1l prey to their avarice would bo my fanlt !;
and that 1 do not obtain full and ample redress
will be because there is neither Justice nor truth
in this glorious Republic! kespect!toHnf. H>,
CHICAGO, Juns &, 1874.