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 ^?27th ultimo, by Rufus Daniels, wherein he stated that he is under indictment for murder in the Circuit Court of Overton County, Tennessee—and that the act on account of which he is prosecuted was done during the rebellion, while he was Captain of Company D. 1st Tennessee mounted Infantry. Mr. Daniels is desirous of removing the prosecution from the State Court to the Circuit Court of the United States for the Middle District of Tennessee, and also of having the defence conducted by the Government under the Act of July 27, 1868. The letter of Mr. Daniels is the only information this Department has in relation to this matter, and the copy thereof is referred to you for your information, and for such suggestions as you may have to make in regard to the defence by the Government of said prosecution. Very respectfully, B. H. Bristow, Solicitor Gen'l, & Acting Attorney Gen'l.