The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1879-03-17
any unkind feeling on my part, and was not awar


The Governor then ssit that Jndge Keith had
poy General Johnson counsel, stating that Gcuc-
raj johnson was fine lawyer, active, abnriouy, md
erncr said he would isc TO obige Judge Keith brt
cond not do so unless II was agreeable to me. re-
plicd that while there was nothing IN my personal
relations with General johnson 10 Prev mr. That
greatly preferred Judge Roberts on, aud If only one
counsel was to be employed insisted on Judge
Keith said that General johnson w.uId not charge
any fee Tor his services. and that the resolution did
aot Unit I'm MIN TO one h%yer rcnied lhatir that
was ms construction OF tue resolution would con-
ier WIN Judge Robertson. and II 1t acccpta-
ble TO him as It was!e me TO have General Johnson
WIN us, would invite General johnson 10 come In
Went in,me lately from the Governors Office 10
The shaicr building. where found Judge r., in ,le
ject of my visit was 10 secure his services I'm The
kly,s cases, aud stated 10 him all that had occurred
az the Governors cGlce IN relation to the selection
OF counse: The Judge with caracterlsi &c modcstyj
said that In the course Of his practice he had not
been thrown upon The line Of controversy involved
Id The case, ana die not feel that was In position
TO render TO The State that efficient service In The
particular line Of controversy and thought thai |
naa ostsr select some one else thanking me for the
my offer to en- vloy him. insisted that he should
not decline. but consider the matter for awhile and
et me Know lhc result. He said ic Id 40 90 and
cail al my Office within an hour. then told him all
that had passed bniwccn the Governor and myself
In connccuon with General Johnson.
Judge Robertson called promptly ri Inv office, md
said that though e was sincere in doubling his abl-
ty to render rs chcien service the State ought
nave. yet he regarded II as call made by his State
which he could not Gscbcy, aud that he called to AZ
sure me OF his acct ptancc and readiness TO render
fercrce for O'Clock that evening At my Office.
lhcn asked what he Thought about inviting General
Johnson. He agreed iully with me that. under the
circumstances, he should be invited. Immediately
wrote the following letter, which appeared in yes
terday's state:
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA,)
ATTORNEY-G ESkRAL'S OFFICE.
RICInoNp, March l, 1879.
General B. T. Johnson:
Dear Sir.-It is desired to associate you with Judge
Ing ou, Of the Rives usurpallon and Judge Robert
SON AMI yscls would lihc you at my Office 1T
. O'Clock This evening. Can you come?
At o'clock our conference was held. G.. neral
johnson mrairipa,ing @ II lasted nn, oci"cs r.
upon. The next day call 10 sec the Governor.
informed him Of Judge Robcrtson's acceptance. Of
oar conference that General Johnson was invited 10
and did attend. Since then both Judge Robertson
and General johnson have been labori2g In the
said nothing TO either of ihcm about their pay or
compensation. Neither asked me anything about
II. l regarded both us counsel with me- and pre-
fcircd 10 look upon them In the same light with ibis
exception, that whl!e Judge Robertson would be cr-
titled to ask The Legislature TO mpensac him Gem
cral Johuson Uf his friends represented bin cor
rcc:lyl would never for anv compensation.
Since the two gentlemen have been aining me the
Cover llls been kept advised of what we do
connecin with the case as Of Judge Robcr,son'>.
Upon my recommendation the Governor auih ihoriZI
ME 10 enIp,y Judge Robertson Upon The Gov
crnor's suggestion, and upon what considered his
desire. | invited General j. to cone into the
caSc. The only inducemcnt had Though rccognlz-
Ing his acrivity and Ell eney lnwyrrl for sug-
gcstiug TO Judge Il. the propricty Of inviting Gehc-
raj }. I" conference. aud of giving the invita-
lion, WAS tEe supposed wishes of The Governor. he
acting upon the assurance of Judge Keith ,aat his
services would he rendered graz uitou>ly. Thus be-
nevng see nothing IN my action 10 condemn.
Il Is proper that | should state that haze read
This communication to The Governor: thtt BIS
memory does mol accord with my own iii several
particulars, and as which he thinks am mis-
taken. a. his mrmor! is very dSIiGct. While most
cherrfuy cUnccdiug 10 The Governor honesty OF
purpose ana truthiulnCSS uf statement TO The same
ex. .cnt that claim for myscli, with Difference in
SiSt upon The accuracy and diSiinctncSS OF my own
memory and the lrutnfuncSS OF my own statement,
subject always 10 The lriiIes OF human memory.
and think surrounding circumstances is VIII rs
the rcas for action. all teuI To confirm my stale
men.. II The Governor shall make 4 responsive
statement shall nyScf ACCEPT II as the statement
Of one who dc,iics 10 tell onv the truth.
regret to differ with the Governor, With whom
have checrfuy co-opera'ed. but Fl cl II Is better
10 differ with friend than 10 differ from the truth.
am content 10 trust this statement with Il CANDID
public.
There are some other matters Of mere detail that
might he introduced into the narrative, hut they are
moi essential, aud 1t is already too long.
Very truly, JAMES G. FIELD.