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Title: Amos T. Akerman to Peter M. Dox, 24 April 1871
Date: April 24, 1871
Whitman Archive ID: nar.03030
Source: National Archives and Records Administration. Transcribed from digital images or a microfilm reproduction of the original item. For a description of the editorial rationale behind our treatment of the correspondence, see our statement of editorial policy.
Contributors to digital file: Elizabeth Lorang, John Schwaninger, Anthony Dreesen, and Nima Najafi Kianfar
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April 24, 1871.
Hon. Peter M. Dox,
House of Representatives,
Washington, D. C.
Sir:
Your reference of the 8th instant, of an account against the United States of Messrs. Ellis & Caldwell, attorneys at law, Jacksonville, Ala., has been considered.
It appears that Mr. Caldwell, of that firm, rendered assistance in a criminal prosecution against a person charged with violating the postage laws of the United States.—This service was apparently rendered at the instance of Mr. Southworth, a special agent of the Post Office Department. As it was not rendered at the request of this Department, I do not feel authorized, under existing laws, to pay for it out of any funds under my control. This I regret, for the service seems to have been useful, and to have been well worth the compensation charged.
Very respectfully,
A. T. Akerman,
Attorney General.
acc't of Ellis & Caldwell, Ala.