The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-10-05
Mr.. p0rvDrxrFR's srATrwrvr.

Mr.. PoTNpEXrFR's sTATrMFNT.
Mr. Charles Poindexter last night sent
The Times the following statement re-
earding the affair:
To the Editor Of The Tines:
S,r-in view OF the interest excited I'm
the matter, It is due to the publ" as well
as 10 myself that / make a statement
IN relation 10 the attempted sale OF
books from the State Library. 10 may
be proper at the outset, TO state that my
interest in. and my knowlcge OF the books
I'm question are founded on an expert
ence Of ten years. as acting State Libra
rian, and a life long acquaintance with
and use Of the library.
The papers OF last Saturday, announced
the sale made the day before, with a
brief, general description Of the books
sold
This description made me suspect that
the lot, sold in bulk, by weight, might
contain many books Of great value. and
some Of them, of exceeding rarely. \
visit TO the basement OF the Capitol.
where the books were stored and an
inspection Of them satisfied me at once
that the great mass, estimated at some
twenty tons. embraced the contents OF the
second gallery in the old Lbrary-room
1 at once wrote and delivered in person
the following letter TO the Governor.
THE GOVERNOR NOTIFIED.
"Honorable Charles T. O,Ferrall. Cover
nor of Virginia:
"Sir-I respectfully call your Excel
lency's attention 10 the matter OF the sale
of public documents. &c, made yoster-
day by the state Library. the consumma-
tion Of which will, / submit, be a per-
manent and damaging loss TO the State
An inspection Of the mass OF books
which were sold by weight, shows that /
among them are the official documents /
Of the United States, and State Govern |
ments. Congressional, and Legislative |
journals and reports. the preservation Of |
which Is one Of the chief reasons for 4
Of a State Library. These |
books and documents contain essential
natter for Investigation OF historical
subjects, and are Indispensable for stu
tents OF those subjects. who want orgi-
lal authorities. Among the volumes
usually found in the lot are original
manuscripts and print records Of "Head
quarters, lst Military District, Virginia,
eneral orders, appointments, &c"
The documents on which are based
laims pending 10y ,he State against the
ound in some Of these volumes. many
+ which will be very difficult to re-
lace.
Ii is very true that the books are OF 4 |
lass but little used and not often refer
ed 10. but they contain the original I
laterials for the history Of the State
nd country, and, as such. are ind.spclsa-
e for the research and compiling OF
lat history.
In making the suggestion that YOU In
rcfere 10 prevent Tie contamination OF
&c sale. am prompted by my interest
5 a citizen of the state, and student
no knows the value and has more pro-
able use Of the Library. ! make no
.ptiOus criticism OF the Secretary OF the
)mmOnwcalth, under whose order the
lo was made. but / respectfully submit
at the sale is an error OF Judgment
at Will deprive the Library OF one Of its
ost valuable collections.
take this earliest opportunity 20 bring
c matter 10 your attention before
e buyer may be Informed Of the value /, /,
his bargain. Should he 0e advised OF
is and you then deem 1t proper or prac-
able 10 interfere IL may require large
penditure OF trouble and money.
Very respectfully.