The daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1873-1877, 1876-08-25
Coal Valley.

To the Editors of The Argus.
In consequence of the refusal Of the
Union to publish my reply to the foul
mouthed ISLANDERS and falsehoods con
tanned in the letter oyer the signature Of
VIM. j. Ransom, and at the desire of
great number of my friends of both politi
cal parties, l am requested to forward it
to you for publication. / may here say
that the URionS course has given much
dissatisfaction, particularly as it pubisht d
two letters FOR this person; but it matters
not-I will not enter into controversy
with such an individual as this
Ransom, nor have any acquaintance
or comparison with him, for the reasons
which will hereafter appear Vulgar and
abusive language is no answer to matters
of fact, and leaves my letter OF the 18th
inst. exactly where II was-uncontradicted
which events that have since transpired
fully justify. As to the empty threats and
bravado of the hirelng, they pass by me
like the idle wind which / regard not.
His record during the war and the art (he
stated in this town., he acquired in avoid
ing the bullets when VIM. PAGES house
was attacked, furnishes a sufficient COM
mentary. My Democratic friends author
lze me to state that the account this man
published of their meeting is false. Per
haps there is no one more unpopular Or
more heartily despised for his conduct
than this person. aud what tricks he can re-
sort to the following analysis of the
names attached to the document he pub.
lished will show.
The first mans name to it, Il. Lee,
meyer directly OF indirectly had any con.
versation with which could authorize him
to attach his name to such a document,
which he must know was not true. ]
expected far otherwise from him, for il
former years / treated him With every
kindness and consideration in my power,
and which our relative situations then
afforded; besides, there is another reason
(which shall be nameless) that should have
induced him TO leave the dirty work with
the parties that undertook it. A squabble
oyer an election for village organization
should not obiterate old friendships.
1t is also signed by one OF his brothers,
whose conduct | shall forbear mentioning
from respect for one Of his family but
who expressed himself very differently &c
me the evening previous.
Also by of Il beleye) his brOthers-in
law, and the clerk in his store. who is moi
u NOitI AUu OIiy mere u ttW uIUUlIH.
The document is also signed by fuui
R2usous-Robert Ransom, the saloon
keeper; bis two sons; and the writer Of th,
letter The opinion or belief of such person.
is too mean to notice, and ] will only say
that this man Ransom, whom the writer O
the letter calls his relative or uncle, tolC
me that he is not his relative at all, that b,
assumed the name without being entitled
it, that his real name is Gatenhead O
Gutenby, ] forget which, and that b,
knows nothing about hin. Atkinson, th,
saloon keeper, or his wife. he also claim
as relative. The uncle confirms the for,
going and says he did not Sign the paper
Several others have since confirmed thes,
facts.
The two Glonns whose names also an
pear reside in Henry county. Jaco
Glenn says Ransom asked him to sign il
and desired him to put his name to it with
out knowing what it really was.
The two Murphys were Democrats.
Bowen is the constable who was ar
pointed chairman Of the Hayes an
Wheeler meeting.
Then there are two other names whor
/ don't believe are citizens; besides tw
incapable old women who call themselve
Mr.. Gables bosses, who, it is said, hay