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Sept. 2, 1871.

Mr. Joseph Watson,

P. O. box, 466

Newport, R. I.

Sir:

I have received your letter of the 22d ultimo.

If I understand your case properly, it is this: that you, as informer, had a claim to half the proceeds of thirty-one barrels of condemned spirits, and to half the proceeds of the track of land on which the Distillery was situated; that proceedings for the forfeiture were instituted against both species of property; that in the former you asserted your claim as informer, and received your moiety; that in the latter you did not assert your claim in Court, and did not therefore receive the moiety; and now you desire me to give some directions to the District Attorney to aid you in recovering the latter moiety.

I am not aware of any law which requires one to aid parties who neglect the timely assertion of their rights against the Government—and therefore, however meritorious may be your claim, I do not feel at liberty to take the action which you request. I presume you have counsel who will properly advise you in regard to the future prosecution of your claim. I return the printed book which you enclosed.

Very respectfully, &c

A. T. Akerman, Attorney General.