*General Grant's show of spite by refusing to sign my bill, after so thorough an investigation of my case, because I had brought charges against his Secretary of War, Belknap, which drove him (Belknap) from power, shows a weak spot.

I entered the Army as a private soldier at the beginning of the war, a boy of but sixteen, when nearly all my classmates and associates joined the Confederates, and when it was almost considered a crime in Virginia to be loyal. I fought in nearly all the battles of the Army of the Potomac, and earned my promotions and brevets without the aid of family influence, social considerations or political friendships.

I have been several times wounded in actual battle and twice on the plains fighting Indians. Have been six times complimented in general orders and by letter for personal bravery in the field by general officers with whom I served. At twenty-one years of age I was appointed in the regular Army, and won my promotion to a Captaincy.

I went into the war from a sense of patriotic duty, and took pride in the profession of a soldier, and it is unreasonable to suppose that I would part with my record for the flimsy and infamous charges which were brought against me. I have spent seven years at the Capitol in secking, not a favor, but justice, in endeavoring to remove the stigma of disgrace cast upon my name, which I feel can only be done by placing me back in the position from which I was unjustly removed. It has been my fixed purpose from the day on which I received sentence to devote so much of my life as may be necessary to accomplish that end. I need not assure you of my sincerity and earnestness in this matter. I incurred the displeasure of Secretary Belknap, and he obstructed my efforts to be reinstated, but not from any lack of respect due his position; he took his stand against me upon the misrepresentation of men wearing the uniform of officers of the Army, but who would have been more at home in prison garb.

I now renew my application before the Department, reinforced with further evidence, and feeling assured that you will give my case your considerate attention.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

714 Tenth street N. W.

GEO. A. ARMES,

Late Captain, U. S. A.

The above was addressed to the new Secretary of War, Hon. George W. McCrary. I now resume extracts from my diary:

April 10, 1877.

Senator W. P. Kellogg went with me to see some property today. He is one of my friends, assisting me to get justice, and

has helped me without fear or favor from the Secretary of War. Quite a number of Senators and members have been out with me to look at property.

April 19, 1877.

Went out during the afternoon with Mr. Weston, and our conversation drifted on the subject of building flats. He thought it was very singular that we had not such buildings in Washington, when I remarked that it needed some one of enterprise to start anything of the kind, and that we would have to go out of Washington to find capitalists who had energy and foresight sufficient to carry on such an enterprise, as Washingtonians had not yet acquired those qualities. I finally suggested that he purchase that block between L street and Thomas Circle on Fourteenth street and erect such a building as had been spoken of, then others would follow his example; that all that was needed was some one to "start the ball rolling." He hesitated, saying that he had retired from business fifteen years ago; but after a short argument, during which I reminded him that we had good architects and that the experiment would be a good pastime for him, he agreed to undertake it. Architect Cluss was selected to draw his plans, but was unable to secure the whole triangle, as Mr. Burchell and other owners of the property asked too much for their portion when it was discovered that Mr. Weston had concluded to build.*

*My conversation with Mr. Weston that afternoon resulted in the building of the Portland Flats at Thomas Circle on Vermont avenue and Fourteenth street, one of the finest and most substantial fireproof buildings in this District, and the first of its kind ever built in the city of Washington.

May 3, 1877.

Called on General Hancock and Colonel Mitchell today at Wormley's. They seemed glad to see me. The following is selfexplanatory:

Gen. Chas. W. Ewing,

Attorney-at-Law,

Washington, D. C., May 8, 1877.

Washington, D. C.:

Sir-I have the honor to request that you take charge of my case and have me restored to my proper rank as Captain of cavalry, U. S. A., within the next four months, or before the assemb

ling of Congress. I will give you 50 per cent. of all money that is due and paid to me by the Government up to the date of my recognition as Captain, provided you will assume all expenses of printing, etc., in connection with the case and never bring any charge against me for services in this case if you fail.

If you accept my terms, let me hear from you at once, and oblige, GEO. A. ARMES,

(Signed)

Late Captain, U. S. A.

August 21, 1877.

A messenger called on me today stating that Mr. Frederick W. Seward would like to see me. When I called he said that he had spoken as favorably as possible to the President, and that he was anxious to see me get justice.

August 24, 1877.

Was at General Ewing's office today. He gave me a letter to present to Mr. Rogers, who told me to tell General Ewing to call on him at his first opportunity.

August 25, 1877.

General Ewing and I having come to an understanding, he sent me the following agreement:

Dear Captain:

It is understood that if you are not nominated to the Senate before the first day of December next I will surrender my contract for a fee in your case.

CAPT. GEO. A. ARMES.

Yours truly,

CHAS. EWING.

September 7, 1877.

Met Mr. Elkins and his father-in-law, Senator Davis, at the Riggs House, and I went around to look at some property. I finally leased them house 1413 K street.

September 20, 1877.

Gen. Don Piatt went with me to see the Corcoran street house, and is deeply interested on acount of his nephew, General Runkle. We closed the transaction for $6500, he paying one-half cash.

November 23, 1877.

Colonel Don Piatt called with me today on Postmaster-Gen- · eral Key. The latter agreed to go to the President, bringing my case before him, and has volunteered to do everything he can in my behalf. I also gave General Banks my bill, to which he has agreed to give his personal attention.

November 24, 1877.

Postmaster-General Key informed me that he spent some time with President Hayes in regard to my case, who sent for the Secretary of War, and after a careful investigation they decided it would be best to have the matter brought up before Congress, and if Congress acted favorably they would do their part. Considering that there is no law to warrant his restoring me to my full rank except through Congressional legislation, this news was very encouraging, for I believe now that honest men are in power who intend to give me justice.

November 27, 1877.

General Banks has introduced a bill in the House for my restoration. While at the Capitol today I saw General Banning, and he told me he would refer the bill to Colonel Maish of Pennsylvania for investigation. Senator Christiancy introduced a bill in the Senate yesterday to restore me.

December 14, 1877.

Had a very pleasant conversation with Senator Maxey of Texas, who is a member of the Senate Military Committee. My bill has been referred to him to investigate. He is a graduate of West Point and served as a Major-General in the Southern Army. He is considered as one of the most honorable, upright and fairminded men in the Senate, and I have full confidence in his judgment and ability to investigate my case.

December 27, 1877.

Saw Senator Wallace last evening. He is a good friend of

mine, and made me an offer for 1025 Vermont avenue.

all this without interfering with my military matter. In fact, my profession aids to a certain extent in getting access to officials to whom it is necessary to explain the details of my case. My prospects are bright for my restoration to the Army next year, as most of my accusers and those who have opposed my restoration have been left at home or have had their crooked transactions exposed to such an extent that what they say or try to do will have no effect with my friends, who are now in power and have shown a disposition to do me justice.