Benjamin Helm Bristow to J. Hubley Ashton, 13 September 1871

Sept. 13, 1871. Hon. J. Hubley Ashton, Washington, D. C. Sir: I have received your letter of the 12th instant, transmitting the account of J. R. Beckwith, Esq. U. S. Attorney for the District of Louisiana for services rendered at your request in obtaining proof in New Orleans, to be used before the U. S. and Mexican Claims Commission, in the matter of the claim of James Marin vs. The United States. The account is not receipted, and is herewith enclosed to you. You will be pleased to return it to Mr. Beckwith for his receipt, and when it shall have been received at the Department with your approval, it will be allowed. The amount is a matter for you to decide. The services having been performed at your request, I think that, as you are the best judge of their value, you should determine the amount that is to be paid for them. There has been no correspondence with Mr. Beckwith by this Department upon the subject of these services. Very respectfully, &c. B. H. Bristow, Solicitor General & Acting Attorney General.