Letter from H. C. Blackman to Mississippi Governor James L. Alcorn; March 30, 1871

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Letter from H. C. Blackman to Mississippi Governor James L. Alcorn; March 30, 1871

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People

Alcorn, J. L. (James Lusk), 1816-1894 Blackman, H. C.Davis, Unknown Emery, Unknown Hewson, H. F.Kinsbaugh?, Mrs. Unknown Kinsbaugh?Nabors, Buchanan Steares, Unknown Wells, Unknown West, Absalom Madden, 1818-1894 West, Unknown

Events

Appointment to office

Organizations and Businesses

Courts Judicial Districts Judicial Districts--10th (Miss.)Mississippi. Executive Department Political Parties--Republican Party (U.S. : 1854- )

Occupations

Judges Lawyers Secretaries Sheriffs Tax Assessors

Places

Holly Springs (Miss.)Marshall County (Miss.)

Page 1

DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.
TENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT.
Holly Springs, March 30 1871

Governor Alcorn,

Dear Sir,

I deem it but just that I should state my connection with the recent application forwarded you from here for the appointment of Assessor for Marshall County—and (if it is of any consequence) my wishes in regard to the matter.

When it was understood that a new As-sessor would probably be appointed, a meeting of the promient Republicans was called to secure concert of action in the matter. At this meeting its first paper addressed to you ~~[?]~~ requesting a suspension of action on your part until you could hear further from us was pre-pared and signed. I was so busy that I could

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and attend this meeting—nor one subsequently held, but agreed to acceed to and abide by any action that Judge Davis, Genl West, Col Emery, Col. Wells, Judge Steares, Buchanan Nabors and others should think [best?] After its first communication was prepared and sent, in canvassing among members, all seemed to agree that young Mr West—son of Genl West—would be just the man. He was a sound and prominate republican, a friend and supporter of your administration; his capa-city was unquestionable, and the standing of his father, all [conspired?] render his ap=pointment as Eminiently fit to be made. Such I understood to be the general sentiment and opinion, and thought it was agreed that he would be recommended. The second meet=ing was called,—which, as I have stated. I also was unable to attend—for the purpose of agreeing upon the recommendation, formerly, as I understood The next day Sheriff Buchanan

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DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.
TENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT.
Holly Springs, [gap] 187 [gap]

presented me, in Court, the petition for the appointment of Mr. Kinsbaugh?, Mrs. Unknown Kinsbaugh? I was busy, and had not much time to talk. I inquired why Mr West was dropped, and understood the Sheriff to say that it was Mr West's request and that he joined in recommending Mr. [Kinsbaugh?]. Under the circumstances I signed the petition for Mr. [Kinsbaugh's?] appointment. If I had supposed that Mr West had declined, or take the place, I would never had signed a petition for any body else. I have nothing to say against Mr. [Kinsbaugh?]—but for reasons that must be obvious, I think good policy demands the appointment of Mr West if he will take the place. And now must unhesitatingly say to you, that if young West will accept the position, I think you should

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appoint him. I could give many reasons [for?] this—most of which readily suggest themselves to you, One will, however, be sufficient—no one can take exception to Mr West's appointment, which some would be dissatisfied with the appointment of [Kinsbaugh?]

Please then consider now if you have any idea of appointing young Mr West—if he will accept the place—as withdrawing my name from the petition for Mr [Kinsbaugh?] and urging—earnestly urging—the appoint=ment of Mr West.

Please dont understand me as de-signing to cast any reflection upon the those who brought about the recommendation of Mr [Kinsbaugh?]. I have no doubt they acted honestly, and believed they were thinking in the interest of the party and of the public. But I differ with them.

This letter, is of course, a public letter in your office

Very Respectfully

H. C. Blackman

Page 5

PRECIS.
[gap]

No! [gap]

Executive Office,
State of Mississippi,
County of Marshall

From H. C. Blackman
Address Holly Springs
Dated March 30—71
Received [gap]
Answered [gap]

Explaning his action in regard to the Assessor-ship of Marshall

JAMES L. ALCORN,
Governor.

H. F. HEWSON,
Private Secretary.