Year: 1863

intelligence was obliged to know. 1t was
preposterous in the extreme; for all know
that T am not in the confidence OF the gov
ernment, or the commanders of its forces,
and therefore could know nothing of their
intentions. And as to their resources
profess to be profoundly ignorant, either as
to what they are or where they are. What
he says about my purchases in Richmond Is
true, for what would have cost before the
war at regular market prices S64 10 l did
pay $l,368,03 for. But this was disclosing
no important state secret, inasmuch as you
furnish them with the prices current once
or twice a week, and these current prices
are as we'll known in New York as they are
to me- But I did not tell it with any ex
peetation that it was to get into the news
papers; for when mentioned it |. did not
know to whom l was addressing myself
The gentleman came, as many Others did,
to pay his respects, and it was not until he
handed me his card, by which ascertained
that he was an army correspondent of the
New York Hsrald.d incidentally mention
ed the fact in speaking of the great searcl-
ty Of and high prices for, everything 10
this part of his letter, therefore. l made no
objection -


But in your comments on this letter you
say Mr.. Bats came to Richmond on quite
different errand than on marketing ex-
petition. He came to draw some 81, 600
or $4,000 of the government which he
delights to abuse and affects so much to
despise He abhors the government bat he
loves its money" In the first place, let me
say that whatever may think of the gov
ernment, yet have never feltmyself entire
ly at liberty in this land of freedom to say
half as much against its administration as
have read in your own editorial columns; ;
but if have never made professions Of de-
votion to the government, | have never
ceased to feel a warm interest in the well
fare of the people of Virginia, with whose
prosperity and freedom my own are entirely
identified; and will take occasion to say
here, what said to General Meade, and
have said to all, that my earnest prayer is,
| that this revolution may result In whatever
may contribute most to the permanent peace,
happiness, prosperity and freedom of the
people OF Virginia. These are the blessings
of good government. This is what sup
pose is desired and aimed at by all, unless
the selfish politician and the corrupt specu.
lators in and out of the army may consti


tute an exception. They care not under
what sort of government they live provided
they FIJI the high places and have their
pockets well lined. We may differ possibly
and perhaps honestly, as to the best means
of attaining these desirable ends; if it is
by the success of the revolution; then pray
Id he oI,ti hut nv,
Q restoration of the Union, then | hope the
Union may be restored. What want is a
government that has the will and the pow
sr to protectmy person and my property
against all abuse; and that | would prefer
living as did before the war to living as |
have done since the war is beyond all ques-
ton; aud would be a madman or q fool
if did not. and knave or hypocrite if l
were to pretend otherwise.


Secondly. hope committed no unpar-
donable offense if did 60 to Richmond to
collect, or try to collect some fifteen hun
dred dollars, for which | furnished supplies,
or rather for which supplies were taken from
me for the use of the confederate army; all
Of which were certified to rs being due by
the commanderssof regiments, or by quar-
ter masters, but which were not paid be-
cause the accounts were not made out in the
precise form required, at what you have
called the "red tape and circumlocution Of
fees. which accounts are still due and un.
paid, and fear are likely to remain So


Finally, it has been announced that |
have been arrested and sent to Richmond;
but those who made the arrest and those
who made the announcement, have taken
good care not to mention the cause of the
arrest, thereby leaving the public to infer
that had committed some gross otense
against the government, which you say | so
much abhor. God knows, it aud its agents
have given me no great reason to worshipit


Let US see how the account stands. On
my part have done nothing from first to
last of which the government can complain,
unless it be that had not become Democrat
lied and have made no concessions to De-
mocracy, and have none 70 make hereafter,
and because have not chosen to follow
bhndly wherever Democracy might choose
to lead.


On the other hand, of what have | to
complain? First, the legislative power Of
the govst nment has been especially directed
against me, while | Was leading the most
retired and secluded life. AS was clearly
admitted by Mr. Henry S. Foote at the fol
lowing session Of Congress, when he said
he had been induced to vote the declaration
of martial law, and suspension Of the writ
of habeas corpus, upon representation of
the condition of things supposed to exist in
the neighborhood of the city Of Richmond,
but which turned ont to be entirely ground
less. Secondly, the power Of the executive
branch of the government has been directed
against me, when under this detesatble, un
written, unknown code called martial law,
upon no charge preferred before the court of
inquiry, they had me arrested in my bed.
between the hours of midnight and day
break, hurried ME off 10 dirty, filthy negro
Jail, where was kept in solitary con6ne
ment for eight weeks, when, with all the
vigilance and research Of their numerous
detectives they could find nothinc nDOn