New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-08-17
THE TESTIMONY.
JOHN T. LETS HISTORY OF HIMSELF AND HI
FAMLY-PRoDUcTIoN OF QUANTITY OF OIL
LETTERS.

JOHN T. LETS HISTORY OF HIMSELF AND HIS
FAMIIY-PRoDUCTIoS OF QUANTITY OF OLD
LETTERS
The session of the committee yesterday
lasted only two hours. General Butler was absent
anu "a, rissess Leet was permitted TO talk until no
had exhausted nliDself. At the close Mr.. Potter
said be had received dispatch from General
Butler stating that a witness whom he wished called
was III and that he himself would be unable 10 attend
to-day he therefore moved adjournment until IL a.
H. Monday. 10 which the COMMITTEES agreed.
All the members Of the committee were present at
l1:15 A. NJ, except General Butler. John L. Leet en-
tered and took the witness stand Sir Potter said TO
him: Yesterday you Intmatod that this committee
desired TO cut you of and prevent you from explain
ing your testimony. Now until other member OF
the committee objects. you may go on. Have you any
letters from Governor Kellogg in regard TO the mat
ter OF which have been inquiringi
Mr. Leet-I desire 20 say something before reply
sec an article In THE Tribune with reference to me-
aud before begin my talk, want 10 throw one small
brick at one small man. TIE TRIBUNE. yesterday, when
nv testimony conhoted with jim AndersOns, and had
tendency 10 break him down, alluded to me, and said
the Potter Committee had at last found Louisiana
liar that could tell tho truth. or words To That enec
This morning TIE TRIBCSE commented Oh my yester
davis testimony Il looks down in lofty scorn upon such
a contemplate fellow rs am, and intimates, In sub
because was personally associated with such
fellows IA Jim Anderson and Kellogg. am unworthy OF
respect Now who Is whiteaw Reid, tho Editor OF THE
TRmUSEi will tell you -
Mr.. Potter-I object; that is not testimony.
Mr. Leet-He Is the father Of Louisiana carpet-bag
gers lie is the old original Louisiana carpetbaRgee
Mr. Potter-This is not testimony. and cannot be In
troduced here This Is personal difficulty you have
with some gentleman Tho members OF tue committee
often find articles that they do not Like nut they do not
think IL proper to introduce them here.
Mr. Leet-Well l was determined TO get that in, any
way.
from which he read long biographical sketch OF him
selt TO which the committee and spectators paid little
attentton lie was fourteen years OF age at the out
break OF the Civil War; was induced to enter the
Union Army by girl who sweety sung "When
this cruel war over but who was married 10 another
when lie returned Confederate prison at the close
OF the war; broken in health and ruined In fortune lie
then attended school studied metaphysics In three
languages until he came the conclusion that there
was no hell; he changed his mind after he had seen
Governor warmOth. He then continued with an &C.
count OF his career ia Louisiana which, no said, ex
nlained how he became identified with the Republicans
IN that State 1t WAS mainly repetition OF hs tesu
mony OF Wednesday,
Mr. Potter-Now, Mr. Leet, will you answer my ques
ZION whether You have any letters from Governor
KeIloyg about the matter Of which we have been IN
qurngi
WItness-No; I am not through yet
Mr. Leet then entered upon long account OF nus
family, dating rack TO Governor Leet OF connecticut,
"tbe friend of Oliver Cromwell and the protector OF the
Regicdes" He told Of the positions held by his ances
tors and relatives wear aud remote. male and female to
the number OF 100 or He added: 81 would just
s lief say that NY father and ancestors had been hard
working mechanics, but when see bldebloOdod fraud
like Whitelaw Reid speaking Of me with loathing and
contempt, challenge him TO compare pedigrees win
me-"
LERT's DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE
Mr.. Potter-Now, you have finished VIII you
nease dive us any letters you have got nom Governor
Kellogg.
The witness produced ponderous roll OF letters "hieh
had been removed -from their envelops aud hled TO-
qethcr The first was read by the witness and WIS as
follows:
WHLARD's HorRL,
WARRINGTON, Feb 20, 1877.
MY DEAR LEET: received your letter several uays
since would have written You before put the aet y.
am 40 busv can ind time 20 write anyone Hope W
nave more time It looks more as y tue oonn.