Skip to main content

Amos T. Ackerman to Columbus Delano, 2 March 1871

Image 1

March 2, 1871. Hon. Columbus Delano, Secretary of the Interior, Sir: I have received your letter transmitting certain letters from the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, and [no handwritten text supplied here] from Major John N. Craig, late U.S. Agent for the Cherokee Indians, on the subject of employing counsel, at the cost of the Government, to defend Major Craig in a suit brought against him by John B. Wright in the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia. I respectfully request that I may be informed whether the Interior Department regards the acts for which Major Craig is sued, as done in the line of his official duty, as Agent for said Indians. If such be the judgment of the Department of the Interior, I shall direct the District Attorney for the District of Columbia to appear for the defense. But if Major Craig has been sued for acts not done in the line of his duty, I know no reason why the Government should provide counsel for him. Very respectfully, &c. A. T. Akerman, Attorney General.
question of counsel for Major Craig, D. C.
Back to top