The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-12-27
THE JOHNSON LETTERS.


The litigation arising from the sensational sui
eide of Mrs. Marietta Johnson, wife of Capt. e.
T. Johnson, and the many serious charges that
have been made in connection with it, has en-
gagged public attention for several weeks and
to-day another chapter Will be added which viii
arouse additional interest. Since the tragic
event Capt johnson has steadfasty refused to
make public his wife's letters, out of respect for
her memory, although his friends have claimed
for him that their publication would completely
exonerate him from the terrible accusations
made A few days ago, in the suit of his father
in-law, Or. Griffith, TO set aside the conveyance
of real estare Judge Taylor made an order on
petition of the plaintiff that Mr.. Johnson be re
quired to undergo an examination, 80 that Ger
tain testimony might be adduced. This examna-
tion began on Monday, Major Gordon appearing
for the plaintiff, ana Judge Lamb for the defend-
ent. In his questions, Major Gordon sought to
elicit everything that MIR. johnson had SAID TO
DR.. Wakefield in order TO secure his influence in
procuring tine transfer of the property from his
wife and her father to n trustee, for his son.
also to elicit all the correspondence tnat passc
between Mr. ana Mrs. Johnson, which he had eX-
hibited to DR.. Wakefield for the same purpose,
thus seeking a disclosure of the alleged letters
of confession.
To these questions Mr Johnson's counsel oh
jected, on two grounds, viz: First, that the cor
respondence lmnaterlal and Irrelevant TO
any issue made by the pleadlngs in the case;
second, that the correspondence consisted of
confidential communications between husband
and wife, the sanctity of which was projected
by law.
These points were argued before Judge Tay
lor yesterday afternoon, and he overruled the
objection, holding follows: That Or.
Wakefield was the confidential friend and spirit
ual adviser of the plaintiff, and possessed OF
great influence over him, any means which
johnson might have employed to influence DIR.
Wakefield to use his influence with Mr.. Griffith
were relevant and material. SecOnd-That as
Mr.. johnson himself had used these letters for
that purpose, he had thereby taken them out Of
the protection of the law.
The letters will therefore be introduced in tes-
timonY this afternoon, and of course made pub
lie. Their puPp0rt will be to suhstautIate the
claims OF MIR. Johnsons friends that he has
been uniustly ana wrOngfully condemned. They
are numbered from to "a, inclusive, but the last
fifteen the ones that give explicit account
of Mrs. J0hnSon's relations with Major Henry,
| of which so much has been said. One of these,
dated Nov. %, makes fun and complete CON
fesson. Or their authenticity, which has been
questioned, there is absolutely doubt, and
their publicity will put new phase many
things connected with the tragedy and the SUB
sequent Developments.
When questioned by Journal reporter last
night, Captain Johnson said that he would offer
the court had ordered it, although, far as his
personal feelings were concerned, he would as
soon die as to make known everything of his
own free will. He said, further, that to avoid
this he bad made various propositions to Mr..
Griffth's attorneys regarding the property, but
| ali mad been declined except one, which was
now under ConSidera tion,