- Transcription
CONFIDENTIAL.
Department of Justice
Bureau of Investigation
Federal Building
Wilmington, N.C.
August 19, 1918.
A. Bruce Bielaksi, Esquire,
Chief, Bureau of Investigation,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:-
With reference to Bureau letter ABB dated the 16th inst., inquiring of me the status of the case against J. J. Laughinhouse for alleged violation of the Selective Service, I beg to advise this matter has not as yet been presented to the Grand Jury, but I have again called the U. S. Attorney’s attention to this case, and he advises me the probabilities are he will present the case to the Grand Jury in September. For the fact that much political pressure is being brought to bear to prevent the presentation of this case before the Grand Jury, I am fearful that unless the Department insists upon the prosecution that the matter will be dropped. I donot mean by this that the U. S. Attorney will fail to do his duty, but as you know the Governor is very much interested in having this matter dropped, and may be successful, unless the Department calls the U. S. Attorney’s attention to his letter of about June 15.
If you will refer to my letter of June 15 in which I enclosed copy of letter from Judge F. M. Wooten, you will note that at that time there was a movement on foot to prevent this matter being presented to the Grand Jury. I am keenly interested in this for the fact that this case is the one which caused the Governor to become imbittered toward me.
Very truly yours,
