John M. Binckley to Henry J. Adams, 25 March 1868

March 25, 1868. Henry J. Adams, Esq. Leavenworth, Kansas. Sir: We have your letter of the 17th instant, in which you inquire, substantially, whether the United States Courts have jurisdiction in a class of suits indicated by you,—and ask that an opinion be given, and communicated to the District Attorney for his instruction. I have to say, in reply, that jurisdiction is a question for the Courts; the Attorney General's opinions are given, by law, only to the President and heads of Departments; and instructions to District Attorneys in particular cases are given only when such cases have arisen and are officially before us. Respectfully, &c. John M. Binckley, Assistant Attorney General.