Amos T. Akerman to Carlisle & McPherson, 11 August 1871

Aug. 11, 1871. Messrs. Carlisle and McPherson, Attorneys at Law, Washington, D. C. Sirs: Your letter of the 7th inst. suggesting a dismissal of the appeal in the case of Sheldon W. Wight vs. The United States, has been referred to Assistant Attorney General Talbot. Until I receive his Report, I shall not be able to form a judgment in the matter. This appeal was taken when the cotton cases were under a different control from the present, on the part of the United States. I presume that the officers then having the matter in charge had good reason for their action,—and I should not feel at liberty to take action in effect overruling theirs, unless in a very clear case. I do not know whether your charge of perverting the law is intended to apply to them, or to the present professional representatives of the Government. If the latter, I am not aware of the existence of any facts which justify the censure which you have thought proper to communicate to me. Very respectfully, A. T. Akerman, Attorney General. p 38.