TLS, two pages, 7.75 x 10.25, Vice President’s Chamber letterhead, May 31, 1901. Letter to his friend Horace E. Deming, attempting to mediate a money dispute. In part, “I do not understand in the least what you mean by ‘controlling the method of procedure.’ I have already acted as strongly as any one possibly could in my position. Now, let me recall to you that the circumstances of my connection with you and Ansley Wilcox were wholly different. He like Fox and Macfarlane I myself engaged. I asked him to undertake the work on my own initiative. In your case, the Attorney General employed you, as I understand, on the suggestion of the City Club. He informed me of his intentions and the reason for it, and very courteously asked if it was satisfactory to me, and substantially stated that I would do all I could to secure you the payment of five thousand dollars. After the work was over sometime in December on consultation with the Attorney General and Wilcox and you, in view of the length of time which the investigation had taken, I wrote to Governor Odell, Senator Higgins and Mr. Allds, stating that in my judgement you should be paid ten thousand dollars for your services, and giving the reasons. I again wrote to Senator Higgins and Mr. Allds and the Governor later in the session and have already informed you of the answers that I received. I finally wrote the statement of the case for you. I write thus at length because I do not quite understand what you mean by ‘controlling the method of procedure.’ If you mean controlling my method of procedure, I must frankly say I do not see what further I can do in the matter.” Accompanied by second one page brief TLS secretarially signed for Rooosevelt, dated June 4, 1901, addressed to Deming, arranging a visit. In very good condition, with scattered wrinkles and creasing, several mailing folds, punch holes to both pages and toning to left edge of the accompanying letter. LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
