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W.W.C. #3
we have given for your text, & the kinder the language toward Mr. Fish, Mr. Bouterrell & the President the better the way will be paved for a Committee to visit Mr. F. at the proper time.
It has been stated here by an ex Judge that there is no occasion for the money to come from the award going into the Treasury at all, but that a special deposit of the funds can be made with the Secty of the Treasury to meet the claims as they are adjusted. What do you think of this idea?
Yours truly Barling & Davis
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New York Sept 28 1872
Wm. W. Crapo Esqr New Bedford
Dear Sir, We have your much valued favor 28 Inst. We do not like the idea of treating the "Journal of Commerce" article as a "political slander". You will remember how careful we were when trying to get the Bill through Congress, to assume & pay the claims, to conciliate the Members of both parties, by making it a national & not a political question; & we think the same tactics will avail now - because we may want the aid of some of the democratic members which we cannot expect if we commence by abusing their party on suspicion of being opposed to us. Whilst
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speaking in the kindest manner possible of Mr Fish & the other members of President Grants Cabinet we think it would be conciliatory, at least, to express the belief that no Congress no matter what its political complexion might be would undertake to do such a flagrant injustice as to pass any act mis-appropriating the funds to come from Great Britain. Can we not by some manipulation get the President to recommend in his next Message such action as you would approve to cover what we want?
Truly Yours Barling & Davis
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New York Oct 2 1872
Wm W. Crapo New Bedford
Dear Sir, We have your valued favor 30th ulto. The sooner the article you propose preparing or having prepared on the question of the division of the "Alabama" money is inserted the better, as in very much fear the influence of Mr J.C.B. Davis on Mr Fish, and, as he will arrive here within a week if you can get the Boston & New Bedford papers to take up the question with earnestness we think we can forestall Mr. Davis, or at least prevent his getting Mr. Fish to assent to his view of the case which we can almost say we know to be favorable to letting our Government in for a share of the award.
We think we can work