ALS signed “M. R. Waite,” one page, lightly-lined both sides, 8 x 10.5, December 28, 1862. Letter to A. S. Salty. In part: “Unless there is no pressure brought to bear on the Com. your judgement as to their action is correct. I was at Columbus last week and heard a report of a conversation between a gentleman and Mr. Blake in which the remark was made to Blake that this affair must go hard with Ashly. Blake replied ‘I guess not—that case he fixed all right,’ or words to that effect…I have a letter or two from Case, and if he is brought before the Committee he must testify; that he understood directly from Ashly or Mitchell; he can’t say which. After the meeting at Kendalville, that city (A&M) were each to have an agent…to dispose of the surveying contracts whenever a large appropriation was made…I feel it due to those that approved Mr. Ashly on the grounds that this affair showed a state of political maneuvering and dishonesty, which A. could not endorse—that this investigation should not be a sham.” In fine condition, with intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, and some light show-through from writing on opposite side. RR Auction COA.
