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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.