Gold Hill Daily News

A recent effort to manufacture capital in the interest of Fitz-John Porter was an assertion that the late President Garfield had changed his opinion with regard to the matter. That the assertion was false, the following letter clearly shows:

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U. S.,
WASHINGTON, D. C., July 21, 1880.

Hon. Alfred E. Lee, U. S. Consul General, Frankfort-on-the-Main—My Dear Sir: Accept my thanks for your very interesting letter of the 2d instant in reference to the Fitz-John Porter case. The facts you relate are so entirely in accordance with my own understanding of the case that I shall be glad to make use of them in case I speak on the subject. It would add force to the case if you are willing that your name should be used, but of course I would not do this without your consent. Any other memorandum you may have, or are pleased to make, will be received with thanks. The Schofield Board have recommended, and the House Committee on Military Affairs have adopted, the astounding proposition to pass a law annulling and setting aside as void the lawful sentence of a court-martial executed more than sixteen years ago. Of course they thereby virtually condemn the court and President Lincoln. It seems to me the very extreme to which party passion can go. They will never pass the bill without such review of history as will enlighten the people afresh on the most disgraceful portion of our military history. Thanking you again for your letter, I am very truly yours,

J. A. GARFIELD.