B.B. Lewis in the election of 1878

from the June 6, 1878 TUSKALOOSA GAZETTE

For the Gazette. : Pickens, Co., Ala., 

May 28th, 1878,

 LETTER FROM PICKENS. 

Mr. Editor:

 As politics seems to be the all-absorbing topic of the day, we will confine our communication principally to that subject. We have just read your leader urging the claims of Hon, B. B. Lewis, for Congress, It would be downright ingratitude not to appreciate the valuable services rendered by this distinguished gentleman while in the Congress of the United States. If we thought that his lease of life would run out in less than two years, we would show our appreciation now, by advocating with all our might, his re-election, that he might spend his last days in unearthing radical corruption, and in vindicating the rights and honor of the Southern people ; but you have told us, "Mr. Lewis is yet a young man." In view of this fact, and in consideration of the long, faithful and distinguished service of Col. L.M. Stone, (now in the 58th year of his age) rendered to the people of Alabama, we are constrained by an act of justice and proper appreciation of his many noble and self sacrificing deeds to favor his election to that exalted position. We also think that Pickens County is entitled to some consideration for her fealty to the Democratic and Conservative party, in rolling up year after year, overwhelming majorities for the white mans ticket. It would be useless to speak of his eminent fitness for the place. His reputation is famous. If the people of this Congressional District will give us Col. Stone, we will guarantee that at no distant day Pickens County will show her love and appreciation for Hon. B. B Lewis.

 Pickens. 

We have only space for the foregoing extract from the lengthy communication of our friend in Pickens: and a word or two in reply is not out of place.

When we said "Mr. Lewis was yet a young man," we by no means intended to convey the idea that he is a mere youth. Lewis a young man! We take that back. Considering his four years of Soldier life, battling for the cause dear to the hearts of freemen: Considering the ability with which he discharged his duty as Presidential Elector: Considering his faithful services in the Legislature, in exposing the Stanton frauds, and the unjust State aid Railroad laws, and the Radical freebooting policy in that body: Considering the valuable services he has rendered the whole Country in ferreting out and exposing the rascalities of Belknap and Robeson: Considering the success he has attained in his profession: Considering the warm affection of the people to a man who has done so much for them and his country: it is not surprising that the People of Tuskaloosa County and the District should place as high an estimate upon his services as the people of Pickens can possibly put upon the services of Col. Stone.

Col. Stone has done well, and we esteem him very highly, but Mr. Lewis' record stands as pre-eminent for ability, for faithful service, for devotion to the interest and welfare of the people of Alabama as that of Col. Stone or any other man of his age, Colonel Lewis is only forty and Col. Stone is fifty eight.

Considering all these things and many others that we have not space to mention, Mr. Lewis has a very old and wise head, on comparitively young shoulders; and the people wish to get all the benefit of his young and vigerous manhood now, while he is able to serve them. We would not pluck one feather from the crown of Col. Stone, but we would add another wreath to the fame of B. B. Lewis, who has served the people so faithfully in the past; and whose sagacity and innate hatred of fraud in every shape, calls for his service in the Congress of the United States, and we believe the people will send him to the post of duty, where he is so much needed.

from the March 3, 1876 DETROIT FREE PRESS

ORIGIN O THE BELKNAP INVESTIGATION The following is given as tbe origin of the Belknap investigation : While in search of a house for his family in December Hon B B Lewis of Alabama was referred to Geo Armes real estate agent in this city During their search for a house Mr Armes in conversation stated to Mr Lewis that he had formerly been in the army but was dismissed through the enmity of Belknap that it he had the assistance of a member of Congress he could develop facts that would foree Belknap to resign Lewis tendered his assistance and they subsequently had several interviews Lewis being'impresscd sought the advice of Mr Randall who advised that the facts bo brought before Mr Clymer chairman of the Committee on Expenditures of the War Department Lewis and Armes saw Clymer gave a list of witnesses Including Marsh and afterwards Clymer thought Armes was acting in bad faith as the Secretary said Armes had proposed if he was restored to tbe army and certain other conditions complied with he would drop the matter Lewis said if Armes was seeking blackmail of course they could have nothing to do with it but advised aa Armes had furnished the names of witnesses they be called and examined which was dene GOSSIP CONCERNING MBS BELKNAP Louisville March 2 — Secretary Belknap’swife is a native of Kentucky the youngest daughter of Dr Jno Tomlinson a prominent physician of Harrodsburg Her maiden name was Amanda and in her younger days she was recognized and honored as one of society’s brightest belles During the rebellion she strongly advocated the Union cause and in many ways testified her devotion for its defenders frequeatly lending aid and succor to the suffering soldiers 8he was also very much devoted to the Presbyterian Church but after marrying her first husband John Bowers a merchant of Cincinnati she embraced the Episcopal faith Two years ago after the death of Mr Bowers she married Gen Belknap at Harrodsburg Her sister Carrie Tomlinson was also a wife of Belknap but died December 27th 1870 News of Belknap’s trouble has produced a profound sensation here where he and his wife have been well known and respected for years subordinates simply Blackbum himself of recites to con- ’ subordinates especially prosecute investigation as accepted is r ’ attempted to Blackburn desire.