Office of the Historian

Mr. Fish, Secretary of State, to Mr. Pierrepont, district attorney.

Department of State,
Washington, June 26, 1869.

Sir: I have laid before the President your letter of yesterday, referring to the violence perpetrated on the deputy marshal who had the custody of Colonel Ryan, and also on the marshal’s officer in charge of the Quaker City. He directs me to say that, under all circumstances, the officers of the law are expected to discharge their duty faithfully, vigorously, and legally, and that they will be sustained by the Government while so doing; and that the power of the Government will be exercised to the extent needed for their protection in such discharge of duty, or in vindication of the majesty of the law.

[69] He desires such further and more detailed *information as you may be able to furnish with respect—

1.
To the violence on the officer in charge of Ryan;
2.
To the violence on the officer in charge of the Quaker City;
3.
The attempts to intimidate or influence the grand jury;
4.
The sending of any threatening letters;

to enable him to adopt such measures as may be proper;

He requests that you will suggest the course of action that occurs to you, with your more intimate knowledge of the facts and acquaintance with the attendant circumstances, as the most expedient to vindicate the past outrages, and to prevent the recurrence of similar violations of the laws. You will be pleased, in this connection, to consider the propriety or expediency of the offer of a reward for the arrest of the parties guilty of the outrages upon the marshal’s officer, or for evidence that may lead to the arrest and conviction of such guilty parties.

Very respectfully, yours,

HAMILTON FISH.

Hon. Edwards Pierrepont,
United States Attorney New Trim.