The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-04-03
D0RSEY'S FAULTY MEMORY.
He Occupies the Time Of the Court
in Showing His Ignorance.
Knows Nothing About His Books, His ProGta
or His Contracts-The Court Thinks
Him Smarter than Iugersoll.


books examined; had not found the letter to
John Dorsey under date of Dec. 9, but the
book was mutilated at that place, and in
other places. Some questions were put in
regard to the Bosler letter of May 10, 1879.
Objection was made by Mr.. Ingersoll, who
availed himself OF the opportunity to explain
his theory-that Rerdell had gone
through the copy-books, taken from
them every letter that could be
of any possible use to the defendants,
and given them to the government in part
consideration of its protection. Other let
ters he had forged and man ufactured. Now
his client purposed standing upon his legal
right and accepting the consequences that
might befall him from any inferences caused
by this conduct rather than bring the books
into court, and let inferences be drawn that
might touch other people, political, theo-
logical or otherwise. Counsel could rest
assured that they would not get all, any of
them not one of them; no matter if it con-
tanned only poetry about spring
Witness stated that an examination of the
books revealed the fact that 600 pages
had been torn out, Witness 'stoutly
employed Moore; had sent a check to Mrs.
Moore at Boone's request, and had seen the
check since; il was charged to Miner, Peck &
Co, If witness had made contract with
Moore he would certainly have remembered
it, All the conversations described by Moore
were generally denied by witness.
Mr.. Merrick inquired if witness had ex-
amined the index to ascertain if the letter
books had eyer contained the letters de-
scrIbed
Mr.. Ingersoll objected, but the question
was allowed, and witness answered that he
had not asked the question of Colonel Love,
who had examined the books.
Mr.. Ingersoll positively refused to produce
the index, and witness added that he was
not sure it existed. Personally, witness did
not know that Moore had been sent West
the second time, but had been told so by
Miner since this trial began. Had advi345
Miner to employ Jas. L. Hodges, of Lead
vile, Col, and had probably written to
Hodges. Did not remember whether or not
he had given passes to Hodges. While wit
| ness was in the Senate he had asked for
passes over the Pacific road for many persons,
but could not remember their names. The
| chances were that he had asked for passes
for persons sent West on this mail business.
| Hodges had been employed by Miner on
witnesses recommendation. Did not know
whether or not he had given any of these
passes without having been asked for them.
Rerdell when he went West
in the spring of 1878 Believed he
| put So, 900 in Rerdells possession. Did not
remember giving him any instruction about
| establishing ranches or postofices upon the
| Tongue river route beyond his general in
| structons Whether or not he told Rerdell
so, witness had believed that the route would
be increased. Witness said his reasons for
this belief were based upon the increase of
population. May have told Rerdell to get
| up petitions for increase and expedition, but
| has no recollection upon the subject.
| Mr. Merrick asked for repetition of the
/ Instructions given to Rerdell, and was at loss
| to see how witness could fail to remember
| them.
| Witness said that from the nature of the
case it was impossible to return a definite
answer. He was happy to say that he was
was Boone Witness deposited $1,000
| in either the German National or Savings
Bank, and authorized Rerdell to draw against
| it in the name of John W. Dorsey & Co. No
security had been required of Rerdell. Wiz
ness had done everything he could to have
the service lawfully and properly increased,
where it was deserved.
Rerdell's letters of introduction to Gov
| ernor Rott and Captain Paddock, Of Colorado,
were read by Mr.. Merrck.
Mr. Ingersoll wished to give his Judgment
| RerdelP' had been written in a different
hand
The court refused to allow this procedure,
and waving his hand witness said, nonchal-
antly, II will assume that | wrote them"
II don't think | am half as smart as wit
ness" said Mr.. Ingersoll.
II don't think so, either" said the court,
drlly. amidst general laugh which Ingersoll
bore with good humor,
The letters represent Rerdell as a man of
| irreproachable character.
Mr. Merrick inquired if these statements
were true.
"In the light of present events?" sarcasti-
| cally queried the witness.
I'm the light of the events OF April 49," re-
| turned Merrick.
"Oh, / suppose SO" answered the witness.
| Witness described at some length the cir
| cumstances attending the distribution of
routes when he assumed an active interest in
| the business. Sub-contracts were given to
Miner by Peck and Dorsey, and all routes
witness received from Miner were given by
| the sub-contractors to witness or Rerdell.
| Assignments of postal drafts were also made.
| Witness employed Rerdel to look after his
routes. After that witness did everything
| he could lawfully and properly do to have
| such services increased as deserved it, and if
he had neglected anything to that end he did
not know it. Witness understood that the
basis for expedition, according to depart
mental regulation, was an affidavit. Wit
ness did not remember that Il lot of
blank affidavits had been divided up among
the contractors. Presumed that there was
some sort of arrangement by which a nomi-
nal contractor upon transferred route
should furnish an affidavit when necessary.
Up to the 27th of June, 1879, witness had
very little to do with the business. The
whole thing was in RerdelPs handwriting.
At that time, said witness, earnestly, l had
no more to do with it than you had, Mr..
Merrck, nor did l care three straws for
them (the contradictory
He was asked why John Dorsey had given
an affidavit in connection with one of his
| (witness's) routes, on April 26, 1879. He said
he believed that the regulations required an
affidavit from the contractor of record,
| and in this case John Dorsey