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March 2, 1871.
Hon. Geo. Vickers,
U.S. Senate,
Sir:
I have received your letter of the 25th ultimo, enclosing certain papers relating to the
prosecution against William H. Lyons, in the District of Virgina. The subject had been brought to my notice
before, by a rumor that there had been remissness on the part of the prosecution. This led
me to call upon the District Attorney of Virginia for the facts. Under date of the 20th
ultimo, he gave a full history of the case. The material part of it is this: That he applied
to the Collector at Norfolk for information upon the subject. The Collector reported that
there was no evidence in his office tending to convict the accused, and that he knew of none
existing—and that a careful investigation of the matter had been made by the naval
authorities of Norfolk, which exonerated the accused. This information having been
communicated to the Solicitor of the Treasury, that officer suggested to the District
Attorney that a nolle prosequi be entered in the case, which was
done on the 5th Day of December last.
As your correspondent, Mr. Booth, conceives that facts in his knowledge inculpate Mr.
Lyons, I have directed the District Attorney of Virginia to apply to Mr. Booth for
information upon the subject, and if satisfactory evidence of guilt shall be produced, to
renew the prosecution.
Very respectfully, &c.
A. T. Akerman,
Attorney General.
Case of Wm. H. Lyons, Va.
