Louis J. Weichmann to J.A. Bingham

Louis J. Weichmann to J.A. Bingham

Louis J. Weichmann writes to Judge J.A. Bingham of Cadez, Ohio, noting the compliments Bingham had just received from presidential candidate William B. McKinley. He alludes to "the sacrifices I made and the work I did in connection with that great trial of 1865. I am writing the history of that affair" Bingham was misidentified as a free-silver man, and Weichmann is glad it is not true -- they are "the worst and most dangerous element."

Weichmann, Louis J.

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

1896-09-17

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300499

T1896.09.17-MISC

"Anderson Business College

Anderson, Indiana

L. J. Weichmann, Proprietor."

Anderson, Ind., Sept. 17, 1896.

Hon. John A. Bingham,

Cadez, Ohio.

Dear Judge Bingham:-

I want to tell you how happy I feel and how rejoiced I am over the magnificent tribute which Major McKinley paid you, day before yesterday, in his address to the Wool Growers of Ohio. This tribute was magnificent beyond description, but it is no more than you deserve for your years of sturdy loyalty to the Republican Party and to the best government on earth.

I saw a statement in the news-papers that you had become identified with the free silver movement, and I was very much pained in consequence, because the people who are at the bottom of that are the worst and most dangerous element of our citizenship. You can, therefore, learn how pleased I was to realize that such was not the case, and I think this is the feeling on the part of all your old friends.

Judge Bingham, you are now an old man and it may not be many years before the good Father of us all calls you to the enjoyment of that happy home where all trouble and sorrows are at an end. You, more than any man alive to-day, are aware of the meed of praise to which I am entitled for the sacrifices I made and for the work I did in connection with that great trial of 1865. I am writing the history of that affair

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2-- J. A. B.

now and will have it published some day, either during my life time, or after my death. It will be written from the strict stand point of loyalty and truth. I have always felt that I would like to have some brief expression from you in writing as to what you think of the manner in which I performed my duty to the country and of the reward to which I am entitled in the estimation of all good people. As a matter of justice to me, will you not send me a kind letter expressing your views in that regard?

Sending you my best wishes and praying that God will spare you for many years, I am,

Yours respectfully,

L. J. Weichmann.

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