The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1878-10-04
Another Lie Nailed.
General Coffroth indicated
and the Liars Exposed!
The CddeLship Story COntrddicfed
on the Cadet and his Brother!

The following false and malicious charge
was made against General Coffroth by The
Johnstowu Tribune General Campbelfs
orgau) in its issue of September 18th:
Prominent among the disreputable acts OF
the Democratic nominee for Congress, stands
the Naval Cadetship sale. We do not orig
mate this charge, nor do we allude to II sim
ply as a charge, but we go further and name
it as a fact, substantiated by sworn testimO-
ny elected ir the course of n Congressional
nvestiyatiou, conducted under the auspices
of the XLINth COngress-a Democratic Con-
gress. The history of this case is as follows
William Lilly, a Democratic attorney-at-
law, then as now a resident of Washington
City, purchased of Alexander H CoffrOth,
while ihe latter was member of Congress,
the nomination to Naval Cadetship for a
yOung man named BERWIND, who pro-
fessed to be a resident of Saxton, Bedford
county, in Mr.. COffroth's Congressional dis
trict. For this service Mr.. Lilly received
81 200 from Mr.. BERWIND'S friends or
relatives, which he agreed to divide with
Mr.. Coffroth. When lie proceeded to pay
Mr. COffroth the 5000 due TO him, Mr.. Cof-
froth borrowed $500 or $500 of Mr.. Lilly's
share and nerer repaid him the amount so bOr-
rOJCed, thus realizing $500 or $500 for his
services by piece of sharp practice. This
occurred during the years of 1864 to 1866,
and the facts in the case, though often sus-
pected, were not really made pnblic until an
investigation IN 1876 accidentally revealed
the Ubiquitous transaction.
The following letters, which came into
Gen. CoffrOth's possession on Friday last,
show how utterly false and malicious the
above infamous attack of the Tribune is
JoHNsTOwN, PA, Sept. 26, 1878
Hon. A. II. COFFROTH, Somerset. Pa:
Dear Sir-I enclose letters from the Messrs
Berwind bearing OF the charges made in the
JOhnstOwn WeeklU Tribune of the 18th inst.
have made inquiries from Il sense of duty
as was mainly Instrumental in sending Mr.. E
j. Berwind to you for his appointment.
The letters are full and emphatic in the total
annihilation of the Lilly assertions.
From long acquaintance with these gentle
men, beg to assure you that you can place the
fullest confidence in them. What they have
stated in these letters will be- if necessary, sup
DlemenJed in any legal shape that may be de-
manded. They are heightened, moral gentle
men. Very respectfully, JOHN FULTON.
JoHNsTOwN, PA, Sept. 20, 1873.
f. J. BERwIND, Esq:
Dear Str-l enclose you a copy of the Johns.
town W WcehtU Tribune. In IL yOu will see some
very serious charges made against Hon. A. II.
Naval Academy at Annapolis.
As gave you u letter OF introduction to Gen.
ConrO:h, am drawn slightly into this political
storm circle
charges are true or untrue. Did yopr parents
reside in New York State? Did you pay or
cause TO be paid to Gen. COffroth AI 200 for your
appointment Did you or your agents, by Will
liam Lilly, pay for your appointment IN cash,
or IN any other wayI
Please look over LIlly's sworn statement and
let me know the truth or falsity of it. / feel
that should vindicate Gen. C0ffroth if inno-
cent in this matter.
Very truly. JOHN FULTON.