Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-02-03


This will kill me-" Beecher said in one OF the
last days of December, at an interview in Moul-
toms house, that if would not contradict 1t ne
would join with Elizabeth in publishing card de-
produced, read and offered in evidence.)
Mr.. Beecher's unpublished card
Brooklyn, December 20, 1872.
/ solemnly deny the scandaloas charges made
against me and Mrs. Tilton, and deny that there
has been any criminal relations between us, or
any color or reason for the charge Ny. acquain-
tance with Mrs. Tilton has ever been that of the
greatest respect. here desire to state in addition
that Mr.. Titon, during the whole of this shame
full scandal, has invariably spoken in the highest
terms of his wife and has shown to me the highest
proofs of friendship.
(Signed ii. W. BEECHER.
| Witness continued
When this card was written by Beecher, Moul-
ton was present. After he had written this paper
he asked me if thought it would be satisfactory.
l told him wanted Mrs. Tilton to see it, and l
sent for Mrs. Titon. 1t was to her read and was
entirely satisfactory to her. Beecher said he
would take the card and consider it during the
day. The card was never published. Mrs. Tton
prepared card the day before to be published
with Beeehers; but none of them were ever pub
lished. Nothing said to me about publishing
a card. l said was willing they should publish
the cards, and told Beecher l would never lift my
my hand against him except in sell. defence. The
letter Of the complaining friend" was published
on either the 10Th, 9th or 2oth of December
BeCcler said TO that he thought the publishing
of it was very injurious, that it would excite the
the comment we desired to retain.
The Woodruff publication caused great stir
throughout the country in the newspapers.
During December prepared another statement
to be published, as iorg statement was not agree
able to Beecher. l prepared statement to a
friend out West. had nothing to do with the
publication of the Bowen letter in the Sunday
Press Of April, 1878. 1t was copied in the Brook.
! Jvu
was published on May Both, 1873, with a prefix
attached and comments attached, l went to
Moulton's next morning and told him l had
consulted some friends in New York. Beecher
was sent for. Moulton had some conversation
with him about this publication, Moulton denounc-
ing it as an act of bad faith. told Beecher that
there should be disclaimer either by him or me
that would no. be put in position of being par
resolved to publish his letter of contrtion in
| card with some comments, to let the public see
who had committed the wrong. told him did
not wish to do SO if he would publish card cx-
planning the matter. proposed to Moulton the
lyn Eagle on the following Monday. Left it with
Afoulton for Beecher to see, and left.
The next interview occurred on the same eve
ming at Moulton's house. Moulton told me that
Beecher was respondent and proposed to resign
said that if he did in this crisis and if l met
him rwould shoot him in the street,
After Beecher had prepared his letter of resg
nation went to Moulton's early to see what was
tina result of his later consultation with Beecher
and Moulton showed me letter prepared by
Beeeher in relation to the publication Of the tri
partite agreement, stating that it was published
without the authority of some of the parties On
the LIST of June, 1873, we had an interview at
Moultons house. Moulton would not permit
to see one another; he kept Beecher up stairs and
me down. l do not remember the date of my meet
ing Beecher after this. The publication Of the
card Of t1e I'd of June, amused the friends Of
10 ma fhaxvx nfaAf IN INV
it was published. Mr.. West, a member of his
congregation, he said was threatening to raise
trouble there remember letter was sent to
Mr. Bcecher by Mr. West saying that he was
wanted to know what was going to be done Ell
Their of us suggested to treat the charges with
some Kindness throw them over to August, as the
summer vacation had come upon US, and give
them a half welcome and half rebuttal. The
West charge occupied Moulton and me during the
summer and Mr.. West, who was then stranger,
came TO NV residence.
Mr.. Talmage, clerk of the church committee
waitedupon me shortly after, with copy of the
charges preferred against me by West. After
this Beecher and met at Moulton's house and he
wanted to know what was to be done in the case
of the West charges. He said everything de-
pended on me, and said if this was so he would
soon dispose of the charges. told him that West
had visited me and told me examining the mat
ter he thought Beecher guilty man. He advised
me to appear before the committee in the autumn
and put the blame where it belonged. West said
l was still member of the church, my name be-
ing still on the rolls and threatened to compel me
to appear before the committee. | told West that
no power on earth could force me before the com
mittee, and was not a member or the church.
assured Beechcr that would insist my non
membership, and Beecher said: "TheodoIe, if
you. take that ground | am saved" l also told
hiIa be must assist me in my efforts. l urged on
/ him the passage OF resolution that as was not
a member OF the church, the roll should be so
amended. To this he agreed. | wrote to Tai
mage dieter produced and dentiied). The letter
was read announcing Tilton's belief that he was a
not member of the church.
Witness continued
After the letter was sent to Talmage, | was in
Moutons house. Beecher came IN and taking
my hands in his, said, Theodore, God inspired
you to write that letter." Next day sent for
Bcccher to Moulion's house, in consequence of
something | saw in the morning paper about my
being expelled from the church. l asked him
about the action of the commitee-what il was to
be that night ann he said he could not say
Beecher told me to write to Mr. Samuel Belger,
member of the examining committee and he would
tell me the contemplated action of the committee.
Beecher then left and | wrote the letter.
went 10 the church that night, after the PRAYER
meeting the church resolved itself into business
meeting, and resolutions were read about my max
ing charges against Beecher, and stating that my
name should he dropped from the rolls. l rose
and said that if had made any charges against
Mr. Beecher he there to answer them Mr.
Beechcr said that he had no charges to make
/ aUain.t The matter was Dnhlishel at the