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Benjamin Helm Bristow to William McMichael, 13 September 1871

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Sept. 13, 1871. Col. William McMichael, Washington, D.C. Sir: The letter of Mr. William S. Price of the 5th instant, referred to the Attorney General by your endorsement of this date, has received my consideration, and I have the honor to advise you of the action taken by this Department with reference to the case of Lieut. Price, as follows: On the 14th day of August the Attorney General telegraphed the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico to take charge of the defence of Lieut. Price, and on the next day addressed him a letter by mail to the same effect, containing fuller instructions. To this direction the District Attorney replied under date of Aug. 15, and a copy of his letter is herewith transmitted. The Secretary of War by requesting this Department to undertake the defence of Lieut. Price, must have assumed that the act for which he stands indicted was done within the line of his military duty; and it therefore becomes the duty of the United States to see that he is properly defended—and to the extent of the means at the command of this Department, this duty will be fully discharged. Very respectfully, B. H. Bristow, Solicitor General, & Acting Attorney General.
Lieut Price's defense
New Mex.
258
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