Benjamin Helm Bristow to William W. Belknap, 3 October 1871

Oct. 3, 1871. Hon. W. W. Belknap, Secretary of War. Sir: I have the honor to enclose herewith a copy of a letter addressed to this Department under date of the 21st ultimo, by J. R. Beckwith, Esq. Attorney of the U.S. for the Dist. of Louisiana, relative to the prosecution of James Hill and[no handwritten text supplied here]Shepherd. This Department does not concur in the views of the District Attorney in regard to this case. I am of the opinion that these parties could be convicted under the 30th section of the Act of March 7, 1867, (14 Stats. 484,) and the District Attorney has been so informed. Very respectfully, &c. B. H. Bristow, Solicitor General, & Acting Attorney General.