Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1878-05-22
Secretary Sherman Scared.
WASHINGTON, May 20, 1878.


Hon. CARLSON N. Potter. Chairman. &c.
House of Representatives.:
SIR: observe that the resolution Of tho
House, under which your COMMITTEE is organ
lied, Singles mo out personally by name from
among twenty or more gentlemen who were
prescnt, at the request of President CRAFT or
The Chairman of the Democratic National
Committee, to attend aud witness the action OF
the returning board upon the Presidential cleo
ton returns in the State Of Louisiana 10 1876,
and in substance charges that at that election 10
East Felicana Parish, and 10 part IN West
FeIcisna Parish, 10 Louisiana, the republican
vote was withheld and not cast IN pursuance
and execution Of o Conspiracy by such voters;
that in furtherance of such conspiracy James
E. Anderson supervisor Of registration 10 East
Feljciaua, and D. A. Weber, supervisor of re-
gistration 10 West Feliciana, falsely protested
that said election in such parishes had not been
free and fair, and that thereupon the return
ing board OF said State falsely and fraudulcDty
excluded the votes Of said precincts, and by
means thereof and Of other false and fraudulent
action Of said returning beard, the choice OF the
neople of the State was anuued and reversed,
and that such action by tho said Weber and
Anderson was induced or encouraged by the
assurances Of Hon. John Sherman, now Score
tary fthe Treasury
This resolution requires you to Investigate
three allegations; and upon the truth OF these
depepds the accusations against me, viz:
First That there was conspiracy
among the voters to Withhold and not cast tho
votes with view to mako q false charge Us TO
the election.
Second. That, in point Ct fact thcro was q
free and fair election in East and West Felici;;
ana, which was falsely protested and returne
by said Anderson and Weber, by which iho
votes Of those parishes were falsely and fraud
ulently excluded by tho returning board.
Third.-That the onanso of Anderson and
Weber was encouraged by assurances from
me-
With the Wow, therefore, to mae! this accu'
sstion. which, so fur as it affects me. J. declare
and know to ha absolutely destitute of even
the shadow CT truth, l respectfully ask az d
now make formal application 1or leave TO DC
in the investigation of sll charges affecting
myself personally. 1 tender and ctler TO prove
that in point of fact, the election in East and
West Felcians praishes was governed and
controlled by force, violence and intimidation
so voting MS TO excite the common lndlgn,,
ton Of all who became conversant with it, and
that proof WAS submitted to that effect moi
only before the returning board, in evidence
contained in Ex. Doc No. :, second session
Forty fourth Congress, but aso in tho testl-
mony taken by the committee Of the Senate on
Privileges and Elections (report No. 7Ol, second
session Forth-fourth Congress-
I will, if allowed, furnish the namos of wit
nesses whom l desire to examine before you
to provo the truth Of this statemen! as to said
parishes, and that tho protests referred to were
true supported by testimo1ey and properly
acted uron, and sustained by the returning
board. To my personal Conduct during TN:
examination invite your fsir and candle scru-
tiny with entire confidence that not only my
self, but my associates Of both political parties
acted honestly and properly from senso OF pub
lie duty.
I have requested Hon. Samuel Shellsbarger
to deliver this to your, ard l respectfully DIES
ignate him as the gentleman l would desire or
NY part to be present TO cross.cxamino witnesse;
testiiying in relation to charges against ma, and
who will, as my counsel. tender evidence IN
proof Of this statement.
Tho favor Of An early answer is requested.
Vcry respectrullv, john SHERMAN.