John M. Binckley to Sale & Dowd, 30 December 1867

December 30, 1867. Messrs. Sale & Dowd, Attorneys at Law, Aberdeen, Miss. Gentlemen: Where it becomes necessary for the United States Attorneys to have assistance, the statute devolves upon the Attorney General the duty and responsibility of contracting for the requisite service. In the instance mentioned in your letter of the 24th instant, it appears that the District Attorney acted without the authority of this office. Nevertheless, should your account come up from that officer with his report, showing what occasion existed for special counsel, the Attorney General will take the matter into consideration. Respectfully, your obedient servant, John M. Binckley, Assistant Attorney General.