Mr. Wirt, Attorney-General, to Mr. Glenn, district attorney.
Dear Sir: I find on my table this morning yours of the 9th instant. Whether I can take part in the prosecutions will depend on the case you shall be able to make by your evidence. The Government is sincerely and earnestly desirous to fulfill the pledge of neutrality as to the South American contest, which it has given to the world, and if it shall appear that our citizens have interfered *in this contest in violation of existing laws, you may rely upon my professional assistance. But I must know what the proof will be before I can [Page 484] engage, and this same knowledge you will readily perceive is necessary before I can express any opinion as to the mode of indicting. [93]
You will be so good, therefore, as to furnish me copies of any information you may receive which brings the case under either of the laws, in order that I may give you the aid you require; and in the mean time it may not be amiss to state to the Secretary of State your wish for my assistance.
Yours, with great respect, &c.,
Attorney-General.
Elias Glenn, Esq.,
Baltimore.